A key objective of NSAD is to examine the relevant laws, policies and
official initiatives that relate to drug and alcohol law as it affects
treatment in New Zealand. NSAD can then, fully informed, advocate on
behalf of the treatment sector that at every turn, when government policy
is made, it has a treatment component.
NSAD seeks to improve the treatment
options for all New Zealanders affected by drug and alcohol addiction. In
particular, NSAD raises the issues of:
- Better treatment access
- More treatment options
- More funding for treatment
Evidence from national and international literature consistently reports
that addiction treatment is cost effective. The National Committee on
Addiction Treatment state:
It is estimated that for every dollar spent on addiction treatment programmes,
there is a $4 to $7 reduction in the cost associated with drug-related crimes.
Addiction treatment can achieve positive effects on a number of outcome
measures, including health status, criminal behaviour, family functioning,
mental health and employment.
Investing in Addiction Treatment; 2007, National Committee on Addiction Treatment
Ultimately, we see ourselves as the voice for the treatment sector. We
want treatment at the table.