Policy Research and Analysis

Susan E. Foster, MSW, Vice President and Director, Division of Policy Research and Analysis

Overview

CASAColumbia’s Policy Research and Analysis division is responsible for assessing the impact of substance use on American systems and populations; examining the links between substance use, addiction and other health and social problems; and translating scientific knowledge about substance use and addiction into policy and practice.

Risky substance use and addiction constitute the largest preventable and most costly health problems and the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S.  CASAColumbia’s Division of Policy Research and Analysis has undertaken a broad program of research and other practice-based activities designed to decrease the prevalence of risky substance use and addiction, and reduce morbidity, mortality and the social and economic consequences and costs related to risky use and addiction.

To achieve these goals, the division’s work is targeted to the health care system, government/public policy and the general public.

Health Care practice-based activities:

• Collaborating with the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) Foundation and Legacy to increase addiction medicine residency training programs.

• Collaborating with Boston Children’s Hospital on a conference “The Pediatrician and substance use:  Practical strategies to minimize the impact of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs on infants, children, teens and young adults,” scheduled for April 26-28, 2013.

• Developing a publication documenting the costs of risky substance use and addiction to America’s health care system and opportunities for cost avoidance and reductions.

Government/Public Policy practice-based activities:

• Developing a Guide for States for preventing and treating risky substance use and addiction, drawing from our research, with specific recommendations for teens, women and other special populations.

• Working with the National Governor’s Association (NGA) on an Academy Process in five to seven states to address prescription drug misuse and addiction and to help policymakers understand the broad context of addiction and multiple points of leverage for prevention, intervention and treatment.

General Public practice-based activities:

• Developing a publication designed to promote public understanding of the emerging science of addiction involving both substances and behaviors, and to identify practice tools that would address addiction more broadly.

• Developing quality indicators for consumers seeking treatment.

• Developing practice guides and tools related to the prevention and treatment of risky substance use and addiction specifically for educators, justice system professionals and other social service providers.

Research Staff

Linda Richter, PhD, Associate Director, Division of Policy Research and Analysis; CASAColumbia Scholar

Emily Feinstein, JD, Program Director, Policy to Practice

Mark Stovell, BA, Research Assistant

Sarah Tsai, MA, Data Analyst