Cuts to Prop 36 Funding Hurt Calif. Treatment Programs

California lawmakers recently voted to slash funding for addiction treatment offered under the state’s Proposition 36 program, forcing many programs to cut back services or shut down altogether, the Pasadena Star-News reported Feb. 7.

Facing a huge budget crisis, California legislators eliminated funding for Prop 36, which was designed to provide addiction treatment to low-level drug offenders rather than sending them to prison. In some cases, the state also refused to pay programs for services already delivered to Prop 36 clients.

The cuts led Santa Anita Family Service to shut down its state-funded outpatient program, and the Pasadena Recovery Center — home of the “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” show — also closed its Prop 36 program.

Offenders ordered into treatment under Prop 36 are now being advised to attend AA meetings to fulfill their requirements.