This 2008 report to the Virginia Governor and General Assembly analyzes the state of substance abuse and substance abuse treatment in Virgina.  The report presents information on quality and access to care as well as cost-effectiveness analyses.   

From the executive summary:

The adverse effects of substance abuse cost State and local governments approximately $613 million in 2006, affecting many State agencies but disproportionately impacting the public safety area. To mitigate these effects, the State and localities spent $102 million providing substance abuse services.  Most populations that completed substance abuse programs evaluated for this study imposed lower net costs on the State and localities, and the majority experienced better recidivism and employment outcomes than similar groups who either did not enter or complete treatment. While this analysis should be supplemented by ongoing evaluations, few Virginia agencies conduct assessments to determine the effectiveness of their treatment programs.  The benefits of substance abuse services are not maximized in Virginia because many individuals who need substance abuse services (1) do not seek them, (2) cannot access them due to cost or logistical barriers, (3) do not receive the most appropriate treatment because of capacity constraints and service gaps, or (4) receive services that do not adequately follow proven practices

Full report: Report of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (PDF | 2.12MB)

Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. (2008). Report of the joint legislative audit and review commission to the governor and the General Assembly of Virginia: mitigating the costs of substance abuse in Virginia. House Document No. 19.