National Institute on Drug Abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a federal agency established in 1974 to research the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction, maintains in the following viewpoint that rehabilitation programs are effective in treating drug or alcohol addiction. The four most common types of treatment programs—outpatient treatment, therapeutic communities, short-term residential treatment, and methadone maintenance programs—all have high rates of success.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What evidence does NIDA provide to support the effectiveness of treatment programs?
2. How do drug treatment programs impact crime rates, according to NIDA?
3. In NIDA’s view, why are treatment programs cost-effective"

Drug addiction is a treatable disorder. Through treatment that is tailored to individual needs, patients can learn to control their condition and live normal, productive lives. Like people with...