Tracking the Quality of Addiction Treatment Over Time and Across States: Using the Federal Government’s “Signs” of Higher Quality [Internet]

Excerpt

The objective of this study was to track trends in the signs of higher-quality addiction treatment as defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. We analyzed the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services from 2007 through 2017 to determine the percent of facilities having the characteristics of higher quality. We analyzed the percent by state and over time. We found improvements between 2007 and 2017 on most measures, but performance on several measures remained low. Most programs reported providing evidence-based behavioral therapies. Half or fewer facilities offered medications for opioid use disorder; mental health assessments; testing for hepatitis C, HIV, and sexually transmitted diseases; self-help groups; employment assistance; and transportation assistance. There was significant state-level variation across the measures.