And it serves planners and policymakers as well, enabling them to make informed decisions concerning treatment programs. In short, this book is for you. If you have not yet read yours, I urge you to do so. Based on a yearlong review of treatment research, Principles describes where we stand today in our quest for the most effective, replicable treatments for drug abuse. The book contains many important messages, but one is central.
Treatment is effective.
Scientifically based drug addiction treatments typically reduce drug abuse by 40 percent to 60 percent. These rates are not ideal, of course, but they are comparable to compliance rates seen with treatments for other chronic diseases such as asthma, hypertension, and diabetes. That treatment is effective will not be news to treatment providers or to the tens of thousands of individuals and families who have benefited from treatment. By describing the current state of the art, Principles also clarifies the many challenging research pathways that remain to be traversed on the way to our goal of fully effective treatment for every patient. NIDA is adjusting its organizational structure and has instituted key procedures to expedite the next stage of our treatment research journey.