According to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 7.3 million people (ages 12 and older) across the U.S. in 2003 needed treatment for an illicit drug problem, but only 1.1 million received it. California is noted as the state with the largest total number of people who need treatment, but are not enrolled in a program. Some of the most common reasons given by individuals for not getting treatment include not being ready to give up the drug, the cost of treatment, as well as the stigma of going to treatment. As part of on-going interviews conducted by SANDAG in local detention facilities, arrestees are asked whether they have ever received in-patient or out-patient drug treatment. Analyses were conducted to see what percentage of male and female adult arrestees who had tested positive for cocaine, opiates, or methamphetamine had ever received treatment for any type of drug. While testing positive for a drug does not necessarily indicate dependence it can be used as an indicator when coupled with the fact that these individuals also are involved with the justice system. Research indicates that individuals who tested positive for opiates (heroin) were most likely to report they had been in treatment at least once (66%), while meth users were least likely (45%).

While gender was not related to whether an individual had ever received treatment, a number of other factors were. That is, individuals who were not working, did not have a stable residence, and had previously been arrested were more likely to have previously been in out-patient or in-patient treatment. This pattern of results may be related to recent efforts to address the treatment needs of individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system. In addition, an arrestee’s race was also related, with Whites and Blacks significantly more likely to have received treatment, compared to Hispanics and other ethnic groups, indicating the possible need for more culturally-sensitive outreach and treatment options.