To do so, it is imperative to find ways of funding alcohol and drug treatment within the current healthcare system. Without adequate funding for treatment, integrated care will not work. For example, at a recent conference several physicians stated that doctors have been reluctant to screen for alcoholism and drug addiction because they perceive that there are few resources for treatment, even if a diagnosis is made. With this in mind, we recommend the following measures to help accomplish the integration of addiction treatment with the medical system. The goal of integrating alcohol and drug treatment with the medical and public health systems cannot be accomplished without the help of employers and private insurance.
Parity is a fundamental condition of achieving integration into the healthcare system.
Currently, less than one third of the federal drug budget is spent to reduce illicit drug demand through treatment. Funding must be adequate to ensure that scientifically tested, clinically effective, and individually appropriate treatment is fully available. Through block grant funding, as well as continued support of innovative research, federal policy can dramatically reduce the negative medical and criminal consequences associated with chemical dependence disorders, creating healthy, productive citizens and safe communities. Medicaid There is also great opportunity for integration of alcoholism and drug addiction treatment through Medicaid. Medicaid is the main source of healthcare for low income families without private health insurance.