The panel made six recommendations: (1) Treatment for alcoholism and other drug addiction must be covered as a health benefit on an equal basis with treatment for other diseases; (2) There should be a broad-based, national campaign to educate the public and build political support for expanded access to treatment; (3) Research on the nature and treatment of addiction and recovery should be expanded, with results more promptly and easily accessible to professionals, policy makers and the public; (4) Education and training on the nature of addiction and recovery should be required for all health, mental health, social service and justice system professionals; (5) Treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction must be monitored by independent treatment managers with no vested financial interests in order to ensure ongoing treatment effectiveness; and (6) Diagnosis, treatment and long-term recovery must be integrated into a coordinated, community-wide strategy to reduce alcohol and other drug problems, a strategy that includes economic development, health and mental health care, the justice system and other key institutions. Notes, figure, resources, appendixes