DHS-Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Performance Audit Highlights

Department ofHealth ServicesDivision of Behavioral Health Services—Substance Abuse Treatment ProgramsREPORT Focusing on strategies that improve outcomesHIGHLIGHTSPERFORMANCE AUDITThe Department of Health Services, Changes in substance use—Fifty-fourDivision of Behavioral Health Services percent of the consumers were not usingOur Conclusion(Division) provides substance abuse drugs or alcohol when they enteredThe Division should focus on services mainly to consumers enrolled in treatment, and 93 percent of themthree strategies that the state Medicaid program (AHCCCS). remained abstinent by the end ofimprove substance abuse The number of people receiving some type treatment. However, nearly 46 percent oftreatment outcomes andof state-provided substance abuse service the consumers were using drugs orhold treatment providershas increased by nearly 300 percent from alcohol when they entered the program,more accountable forconsumer outcomes. fiscal years 2001 to 2008. However, and only 25 percent of these consumersTreating substance abuse is Arizona, like many other states, struggles had reduced or stopped use by the endvery difficult, and most to obtain positive treatment outcomes. of treatment.consumers showed littlechange after treatment. Three strategies for improviinnggOver half of the consumers Substance Abuse Enrollment outcomes—Research shows thewere abstinent when they70,000 Division can improve outcomes65,696entered treatment, and63,57160,10559 ...