Health Care System and Substance Abuse

The relationship between substance use disorders and health is well documented according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Alcohol and drug abuse problems can be seen in schools, the workplace, primary care practices, mental health agencies, and within the criminal justice system. It is apparent that there are significant barriers to treatment including access to services, greater health care costs, rising insurance premiums, the increasing number of people who are uninsured, and the weak infrastructures of many treatment programs. This entry describes substance abuse prevalence rates, disease burden of alcohol and drug abuse, and barriers to effective substance abuse treatment. A recommendation to link primary health care and substance abuse treatment is also discussed.