Needs-Based Planning for Substance Use Treatment Systems: Progress, Prospects, and the Search for a New Perspective

Abstract

The articles presented in this issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (Supplement No. 18) describe the rapid improvements over the past decade in methods, theories, and data systems used for needs-based planning of addiction treatment services. In this concluding essay, the editors describe the progress, prospects, and implications of this new wave of research. It is concluded that these developments can be used to maximize the impact of treatment services at the population level. Les articles dans ce Supplément, décrivent les améliorations rapides ayant eu lieu au cours de la dernière décennie quant aux méthodes, théories et systèmes de données qui sont utilisés pour la planification des services de traitement de la dépendance en s’appuyant sur les besoins populationnels. Dans cet essai de conclusion, les éditeurs décrivent les progrès, les perspectives et les implications de cette nouvelle vague de travaux de recherche. Il est conclu que ces développements peuvent être utilisés afin de maximiser l’impact des services au plan populationnel. Los documentos presentados en este Suplemento describen las rápidas mejoras en la última década en métodos, teorías y sistemas de datos utilizados para la planificación basada en las necesidades de servicios de tratamiento de adicciones. En este ensayo final, los editores describen los avances, perspectivas e implicaciones de esta nueva ola de investigación. Se concluye que estos desarrollos se pueden utilizar para maximizar el impacto de los servicios de tratamiento a nivel de la población.

Comparing Cannabis Use Disorder in the General Population with Cannabis Treatment Seekers Using Multi-Source National Datasets: Who Receives Treatment?

“…There is debate on whether diagnosis of substance use disorder based on DSM criteria indicates a need for treat-ment. It has been argued that simply using such diagnostic instruments is inadequate as they overestimate the total treatment need and do not take into account clinical significance [36][37][38].…”

The evolution of addiction treatment and harm reduction programs in Iran: a chaotic response or a synergistic diversity?

“…One suggestion is to harmonize these methodologies by using instruments such as the Treatment Demand Indicator (TDI), which is used by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), to use the same method of collecting the main data for drug users receiving different treatments. By collecting data from a huge number of clients entering different treatments in different countries, it will be easier to deduce the real demands of the patients and the pure outcomes of the policies and strategies [61]. Here we propose that Iran and neighboring countries initiate harmonizing surveillance methodologies and then, by amalgamating the data, this will inform the policymakers and treatment centers on how to improve and probably change their strategies.…”

Drug treatment service procurement: A systematic review of models, goals, and outcomes

“…Drug treatment services (DTS) provided in OECD countries are often delivered through public funding and therefore those services are subject to public procurement regulations. However, little is known about how these complex DTS are procured or what the outcomes of that procurement are (e.g., Babor et al, 2019 ; Ritter & Van De Ven, 2019 ). This systematic review explores procurement models and mechanisms relating to DTS and underlines the outcomes and usefulness for individuals and society.…”