The Alcohol and Drug Policy Institute (ADPI) works to advance the AOD field in California through the creation and dissemination of knowledge concerning AOD problems and their amelioration. Our work extends from informing broad policy initiatives addressing statewide concerns to working with local level service systems and providers.

Effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems save lives, save families, and save taxpayer dollars.

In California, AOD abuse or dependence affects between 2.5 and 3 million persons. AOD problems have a direct impact on taxpayer-supported service systems: law & justice, corrections, primary health care, mental health care, welfare, child welfare, and education.

Broadening the circle, each individual with an AOD problem has family members who are adversely affected. Each person in an abuser/addict's life is likely to have their own service needs and create their own impacts on publicly funded health and human service systems.

The California state budget for fiscal year 07-08, appropriated over $750 Million for substance abuse prevention and treatment. Still, less than 2% of those who needed treatment got it.

The 1994 CALDATA study showed that every $1 spent on AOD treatment produced a $7 savings to taxpayers. More recently a 2006 cost benefit analysis of Proposition 36 AOD offender treatment services showed that every $1 invested in treatment produced a $2.50 savings for taxpayers regardless of treatment outcome. The savings increased to $4.00 for persons who completed treatment.