Department of Mental Health
E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner

The Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services’ responsibilities include planning, developing, administering, and evaluating a statewide system of substance use, abuse, and addiction services for the general public, persons at risk for substance abuse, and persons abusing substances. These responsibilities are carried out through partnering with other government agencies, community organizations, and advocacy groups. Treatment and prevention services are provided by community based agencies through individual contracts.

The division functions through two offices, four program areas and administrative support services:

• Office of Addictions Treatment and Recovery Services
  
• Office of Prevention Services
  
• Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Program for DUI Offenders
  
• Practice Improvement Program
  
• Education and Training Program
  
• State Opioid (Methadone) Treatment Authority
  
• Office of Program Development
  
• Special Projects, Administrative and Support Services
  

Use and abuse of alcohol, drugs and other substances can be prevented, prevention, treatment, and recovery services work. As stewards of public funding, program monitors, policy makers, and service advocates, the division supports and encourages:

• Delivery of Person-Centered Prevention, Treatment and Addictions Recovery Services
• Use of Evidence-Based and Promising Practices
• Development of Strong  Partnerships and Collaboration to Deliver Treatment, Prevention and Recovery Services
• Data-Based Decision Making
• Evaluation to Ensure that Services Achieve Desired Outcomes

The 2011 Annual Synar Report is available for public comment. Comments can be submitted via email to taryn.sloss@tn.gov . They must be received by close of business on December 23, 2010.

Synar Narrative.doc

Synar Tables.xls