Panel members focused on identifying ways to close the “gap” in alcohol and drug treatment, defined as the difference between individuals requiring treatment and those receiving treatment. Although it was well established that treatment was effective to counter substance abuse, the Panel identified significant barriers to treatment. These were societal, organizational, and individual factors; access to appropriate treatment; the use and allocation of resources and adequate financing of programs and services; and issues surrounding the quality of care and treatment outcomes. To address these barriers, the panel developed recommendations in three areas: access and inter-State linkages; resource allocation and financing; and quality care and outcome measures. Access and inter-system linkages emphasized the benefit of multiple systems working together to ensure that appropriate, effective care was available to all individuals in need of treatment. Resource allocation and financing focused on improving public and private insurance benefit packages, increasing the resources in the system, and using system resources more effectively. Quality care and outcome measures centered on improving the quality and appropriateness of care provided and creating an ongoing monitoring process for maintaining a high level of care. Bibliography.