Our Research Focus      

SAMA supports medical research in the pathology of substance abuse and the management of addiction as a chronic disease. Additional research is needed to better understand the causes and underlying pathology of substance dependence, to explore the scope of physical and neurological damage wrought by drugs, to ascertain the behavioral, psychological and developmental effects of substance addiction, to further develop behavioral and pharmacological treatments for addiction, and to hone expectations regarding positive outcome and success of treatment. Furthermore, studies are needed to understand and improve the effectiveness of therapies and to refine methods of implementation, particularly for the adolescent and young adult population.      

 

Research Links

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Treatment Research Institute

Adolescent Brain Development and Drug Abuse

by Ken C. Winters, Ph.D.

 

SAMA Research

SAMA has contracted with the University of Washington for two studies and performed an independent overview of substance abuse services in King County. The results of each study, including accompanying databases, are available below.

Summary of State Laws on Insurance Mandates and Parity for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment , March 2007

Insurance coverage for the treatment for substance abuse (SA) can be instrumental in aiding an individual suffering from addiction. Treatment courses for SA are expensive and usually include a lengthy recovery process. Unfortunately, benefits for SA are often excluded from insurance coverage due to high costs involved in treatment, the view addiction may not be a disease, or stigma based on the belief it is the fault of the person suffering from addiction… Read full text

Parents' Legal Authority in Voluntary Inpatient Substance Abuse & Mental Health Treatment Decisions, March 2007

Many states regulate a parent's ability to obtain substance abuse (SA) treatment for their minor child differently than treatment for physical illness and injury. Voluntary inpatient treatment for SA specifically is one type of treatment that is regulated differently than treatment for physical illness and injury… Read full text

  • For a database of laws concerning insurance parity for substance abuse and mental health services in each state, click here .
  • For a database of laws concerning consent requirements for parents and adolescents in substance abuse treatment and mental health in each state, click here.
  • For a database of parental rights to admit adolescents to Substance Abuse treatment, click here.
  • For a database of parental rights to admit adolescents to Mental Health treatment, click here.

Brief Review of Services for Chemically Dependent and Substance Abusing Adolescents in King County, 2006

Approximately 10% of chemically addicted youth in the State of Washington receive publicly funded treatment. The chemical dependency treatment system currently in place deals mostly with adolescents who qualify for public assistance or who have broken the law. Few resources are available for early intervention … Read full Text