Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to critically review the economic evaluation literature on
substance abuse and problem gambling treatment. It is intended to assist the Alberta
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) in describing and positioning its
addiction treatment services from a return-on-investment (ROI) perspective in terms of
supporting individual recovery, community well-being, and population health.
Economic evaluation is important because resources are scarce. Choices have to be
made regarding the resources committed to various substance abuse and problem
gambling treatment programs. Economic evaluation is an organized approach to
structuring a decision to commit resources to one use rather than another. It makes
explicit the relevant altematives, viewpoints, and provides measurement of inputs and
outputs.
Sponsorship
AADAC
