Equation | (# participants) x (% participants who receive treatment solely because of the program) x (# QALY increase) x ($ QALY) |
Explanation | This metric estimates the impact of substance abuse treatment on lifetime health, estimated in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALY). This metric should be used in conjunction with HEA029. This metric is used to estimate benefits for any addiction treatment program based on the average impact of all treatment methods. We determine in a case-by-case basis whether a specific metric can be developed based on the program’s methodology. Number of participants: Reported by program. Percentage of participants receiving treatment solely because of program: [0.9]. This estimate for those who enroll in the substance abuse treatment program solely due to our grant is based on findings that only about 10 percent of people who need substance abuse treatment actually receive it (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012). QALY increase: [0.03]. Research indicates that a currently active substance abuse disorder reduces the quality of life between about 0.13 and 0.20 QALY (Kilmer, 2009), with the higher range reserved for heroin users (Nicosia, Pacula, Kilmer, Lundberg & Chiesa, 2009). Aos, Mayfield, Miller & Yen (2006) report a 22 percent reduction in symptoms based on an average drug treatment program. Applying these findings together, we find a 0.03 QALY improvement due to a typical substance abuse program (0.13 reduction in quality of life x 0.22 expected improvement due to intervention = 0.03 improvement in QALY due to program). $ value per QALY: [$50,000] Benefits are then discounted to present value based on the average age of participation to life expectancy. |
References | Aos, S., Mayfield, J., Miller, M. & Yen, W. (2006). Evidence-based treatment of alcohol, drug, and mental health disorders: Potential benefits, costs, and fiscal impacts for Washington State. Olympia, WA: Washington State Institute for Public Policy. Retrieved from http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/06-06- 3901.pdf Kilmer, B. (2009). Substance use and treatment in NYC: Cost, benefits, and opportunities. Annotated presentation to Robin Hood. New York, NY: Robin Hood. Nicosia, N., Pacula, R., Kilmer, B., Lundberg, R. & Chiesa, J. (2009). The economic cost of methamphetamine use in the United States, 2005 (MG-829). Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG829.html Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2012). Results |