Policy Issues & Resources: Substance Use Disorders

Although first recognized as a disease in 1956 by the American Medical Association, until recently, little progress has been made in understanding and managing addiction as a chronic health condition.  Addiction affects millions of individuals and families every year, yet it is often undiagnosed or ignored, resulting in incredible costs; the annual combined costs incurred by health care, lost productivity, and crime related to untreated addiction have been estimated at $365 billion. In a recent survey, 63% of those polled said addiction had an impact on their lives, and for most the addiction was among a family member.

The National Council will continue its efforts to ensure that prevention and treatment services for addictions are covered by public and private payers similarly to other chronic conditions. 

Recent News  I  Official Letters  I  Fact Sheets  I  Summaries & Charts  I  Additional Resources


Recent News

Official Letters

  • National Council Comments to SAMHSA on a Modern Addictions and Mental Health System
  • National Council/NAMI Comments to SSA on Disability Determinations and Substance Use Disorders
  • The National Council signed onto a letter requesting that funding for the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities State Grants program be restored.
  • The National Council signed onto a letter supporting the elimination of the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange programs.
  • National Council signed onto a Letter supporting an Increase in Taxes on Alcohol.
  • National Council Joins More Than 200 Groups on Letter to Congress Supporting Increased SAPT Block Grant Funding in 2008.
  • Letter to Senator Harkin requesting increased funding for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant  in 2007.
     

Fact Sheets

Summaries & Charts

Additional Resources

Get Involved!

Want to receive updates from the National Council?
Subscribe now!