What We Do
We measure the economic impact of treating substance use disorder to improve the lives of people who use substances.
The growing complexities of substance use disorder
Drug overdose deaths in the United States have risen to record levels. Of the estimated 24 million people in the United States who have substance use disorder, most do not receive life-saving treatment. Injection drug use is also associated with an increased risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV, and bacterial infections, compelling investigators and healthcare leaders to develop new and effective care delivery models.
Understanding Trade-offs
The central mission of healthcare economics is to identify and quantify trade-offs between higher costs and better outcomes. Our research cuts across disciplines to understand the full benefits obtained from a new care delivery model or policy.
Research Expertise
Why Economic Evaluations?
Asking decision-makers to consider new approaches to treating substance use disorder requires both clinical and economic evidence. Treatment and harm reduction services can be costly to federal and state governments, health insurers, healthcare providers, and individuals – but can also provide substantial cost-offsets over time. At CHERISH, we investigate the economics of substance use treatment and harm reduction services to ensure that interventions improve health outcomes and that resources are spent wisely.
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What Economic Evaluations Can Do
- Identify resources such as personnel time, supplies, and other costs required for effective care, and consider the impact of these investments on provider and payer budgets.
- Measure and forecast improvements in life expectancy, productivity at work or school, and criminal-legal activity, among others, to estimate the cost-saving implications of effective substance use disorder interventions from a societal standpoint.
- Compare the costs and benefits of different interventions using standardized economic evaluation methods that assess whether the greatest value is being delivered compared to alternative uses of the same resources.
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Submit a Consultation Request or Contact Us to learn more about how CHERISH can support your research or policy goals.