DrugRehab.com provides information regarding illicit and prescription drug
addiction, the various populations at risk for the disease, current statistics and trends, and
psychological disorders that often accompany addiction. You will also find information on spotting
the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the individual.
In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer information on
outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care. In this section, you
will find information and resources related to evidence-based treatment models, counseling and
therapy and payment and insurance options.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.
The recovery process doesn't end after 90 days of treatment. The transition back to
life outside of rehab is fraught with the potential for relapse. Aftercare resources such as
12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with
rewarding relationships and meaning.
Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use
prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. From people in active
recovery to advocates who have lost loved ones to the devastating disease of addiction, our
community understands the struggle and provides guidance born of personal experience.
In a final report released Nov. 1, President Donald Trump’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis revealed 56 recommendations for curbing the opioid epidemic, ranging from improving opioid prescribing practices to expanding access to medication-assisted therapy for people battling addiction.
The commission issued the report six days after Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency.
In a letter to Trump, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, chairman of the opioid commission, said that the intent of the suggestions is to increase support for programs designed to reduce opioid abuse and to reduce federal barriers to substance abuse treatment.
“The commission is confident that, if enacted quickly, these recommendations will strengthen the federal government, state and local response to this crisis,” Christie wrote.
The expansion of drug courts was one of the most noteworthy recommendations listed in the report. These programs allow nonviolent drug offenders with substance abuse problems to avoid incarceration and enter drug treatment.
As of 2017, more than 3,140 drug courts operate in the United States. The commission suggested the Department of Justice establish drug courts in all 93 federal judicial districts. It also encouraged local, state and Indian tribal governments to apply for drug court grants.
“Individuals with [a substance use disorder] who violate probation terms with substance use should be diverted into drug court rather than prison,” the report stated.
Other recommendations in the report include:
The Department of Education should work with states on student evaluation programs such as Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment, an initiative that identifies at-risk youth battling substance abuse problems.
All law enforcement officers should receive access to naloxone, an overdose reversal medication that rapidly blocks the effects of opioids.
The Department of Health and Human Services should organize the creation of a national curriculum and standard of care for prescribing opioids.
The HHS, Department of Justice, the Office of National Drug Control Policy and pharmacy groups should train pharmacists to recognize reliable opioid prescriptions, and pharmacists should not be reprimanded for denying improper prescriptions.
The government should set stricter federal sentencing punishments for those who traffic fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.
The commission also urged the White House to pass the Prescription Drug Monitoring Act, a law that would create and implement an electronic database that tracks prescribing and dispensing data submitted by pharmacies and dispensing practitioners.
The number of prescription opioids sold to hospitals, practitioners and pharmacies nearly quadrupled from 1999 to 2010. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 people in the United States die from an opioid overdose every day.
Mixed Reactions from Treatment Advocates
Regina LaBelle, who was chief of staff in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under former President Barack Obama, praised the report for highlighting the importance of addiction treatment. But she noted that more funding will be needed to fulfill these recommendations.
Dr. Mitchell Rosenthal, founder of the nonprofit addiction treatment facility Phoenix House, expressed a similar sentiment: He said more money must be allocated to states to fight the opioid crisis.
“We need significantly more funding to the states on the front lines of this crisis, otherwise they won’t be able to implement the prevention and treatment programs that can save so many lives,” Rosenthal told ABC News.
Dr. Andrew Kolodny, executive director of the nonprofit Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing, praised many of the recommendations. But he also expressed concerns.
“The overall problem here is we’ve got a commission making recommendations when we need an administration putting out a plan and seeking out appropriations,” said Kolodny.
According to Christie, the opioid commission is not responsible for quantifying the costs of fulfilling these suggestions. But he also noted the importance of getting federal funding to state governments quickly.
“Saving time and resources, in this instance, will literally save lives,” said Christie.
Christie: ‘Addiction Is a Disease’
In his letter to Trump, Christie mentioned opioid overdose statistics and other consequences of opioid misuse to underscore the importance of defeating the opioid epidemic.
He said that those affected by opioid abuse represent all ages and backgrounds. They are student athletes, sons, daughters and newborn babies. The epidemic has also caused more children to enter foster care and more grandparents to raise their grandchildren.
“It is time we all say what we know is true: Addiction is a disease,” wrote Christie.
This disease has ravaged many communities in the United States, and drug overdose is the leading cause of unintentional death in the country. But Christie says that the country still does not treat substance use disorders like it does other diseases.
Addiction often co-occurs with other mental health problems such as depression. The opioid commission recommended that health insurance plans should not provide less favorable benefits for mental health and addiction diagnoses than it does for physical health problems.
“People need to be aware of the health risks associated with opioid use, and they must stop being afraid or ashamed of seeking help when facing their addiction,” said Christie.
After the opioid commission released its final report, the White House issued a statement saying that it would review the recommendations.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Matt Gonzales is a writer and researcher for DrugRehab.com. He graduated with a degree in journalism from East Carolina University and began his professional writing career in 2011. Matt covers the latest drug trends and shares inspirational stories of people who have overcome addiction. Certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in health literacy, Matt leverages his experience in addiction research to provide hope to those struggling with substance use disorders.
Calls will be answered by a qualified admissions representative with Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), the owners of DrugRehab.com. We look forward to helping you!
Phone calls to treatment center listings not associated with ARS will go directly to those centers. DrugRehab.com and ARS are not responsible for those calls.
