One in Ten U.S. Adults are in Remission from a Substance Use Disorder
(WASHINGTON, DC) – National Recovery Month is a time for public health officials, medical professionals, and lawmakers to come together and have a transformative impact on the health and mental health of millions of American’s suffering from substance use disorder.
During this year’s observance, held annually in September, the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) is using the occasion to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. Currently, more than 50% of treated adults achieve sustained remission, defined as remission that lasted for at least 1 year, when focusing on recovery. Conversely, more than 100,000 Americans are losing their lives due to illicit substance overdoses.
“Today is a reminder that recovery should guide our drug policies. Nearly 50 million Americans are suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD). It is deeply important that we expand the conversation around recovery, especially at a time when pro-drug activists are using buzzwords like ‘safe supply,’ and ‘overdose prevention sites’ to propel a narrative that is more likely to cause America’s drug crisis to spiral further out of control. Focusing on an extreme harm reduction philosophy alone will not improve the lives of those afflicted with substance use disorders, or their loved ones,” said FDPS President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton.
“There are many paths to recovery, and ‘medication versus drug free’ recovery is a false dichotomy that unnecessarily stigmatizes life in recovery. We need to scale up life-saving medication like naloxone, but we must also do more. Focusing public policy that emphasizes recovery is key to reducing drug use and initiation. Whether a 12-step program, medication-assisted recovery, or another avenue, the most important part is the common goal: to help individuals overcome their addictions and live better lives,” said Sabet.
A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine reviewed British Columbia’s so-called “safe supply” program. The researchers found that just as many people died from overdoses as they had before the policy took effect.
“We should be uplifting stories of those in recovery to encourage others to follow suit. Policymakers should learn from and celebrate the millions of individuals who have overcome their substance use disorders and achieved recovery. These individuals illustrate that recovery is possible and provide hope to those who are currently struggling with addiction,” Sabet added.
For more information on policy recommendations from FDPS, visit gooddrugpolicy.org.