Surgeon General Releases Landmark Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health
Yesterday, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new, landmark report on alcohol and drugs, and health. “Alcohol and drug addiction take an enormous toll on individuals, families, and communities,” said Dr. Murthy. “Most Americans know someone who has been touched by an alcohol or a drug use disorder. Yet 90 percent of people with a substance abuse disorder are not getting treatment. That has to change.” This report is significant because it is the first ever report on addiction from a top federal health official. Some of the highlights of the 428-page include:
Addiction is costly with an estimated cost of $442 billion each year.
Addiction is a disease and not a moral failing.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) was identified as an evidence-based component of care.
For the full report and executive summary, visit https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/