Turn to evidence-based approaches for spending $800 million to fight opioid addiction
To quell opioid addiction, we need to rely on programs based on scientific evidence — not on anecdote, status quo, or political belief.
The bipartisan spending agreement Congress passed earlier this year includes about $800 million to fight opioid addiction and increase access to treatment and recovery services. This appropriation — up from $150 million in the last budget — builds on an additional $485 million in grants to states provided for in the 21st Century Cures Act.
How the government decides to spend this money could be a turning point in the opioid epidemic or mark a missed opportunity to address the crisis that’s killing tens of thousands of Americans each year.
The opioid epidemic is one and some of which are not.
