The Case for Support Services in Substance Abuse Treatment

Abstract

Comprehensive services, including employment/vocational interventions, family therapy, medical care, and case management, have been shown by the literature to be critical elements of programs that provide effective treatment for substance abusers. Despite clear research findings, clients are often unable to obtain needed adjunctive services at their clinics. When services are not provided on site, clients typically are not effectively placed for services at other agencies. This article reviews the recent literature on comprehensive services as elements of substance abuse treatment, focusing on four areas that the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has established as priorities for health services research: (a) the effectiveness and outcomes of treatment services, (b) the organization and management of treatment services, (c) the actual availability of services to clients, and (d) the impact of managed care on the provision of adjunctive treatment services. Recommendations are also made for future research, and policy implications are discussed.