Democracy Rules

Critics of the War on Drugs say not enough resources are used to counter the main reason for our drug problem - the demand for illicit drugs. Health advocates say that like alcoholism, drug addiction is a disease. They claim prison is no cure for millions of American drug users, nor is it the end of their addiction problems. They also claim that compared to incarceration, treatment for drug addiction is much cheaper and has more long-term benefits for both drug addicts and society. Between 2017 and 2018, nearly 71,000 Americans died from drug overdoses. It could be said the demand for certain illicit drugs wax and wane over time, and that opioids are now the current scourge.

The use of and addiction to natural opioids including heroin, morphine, and prescription pain relievers like oxycontin has killed more than 450,000 Americans since 2000. In 2017, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl accounted for 31,000 deaths. Millions of Americans need treatment for drug addiction but few receive it. Substance abuse disorders pose a heavy burden on society, endangering individual and family health and well-being, tearing through communities, and sapping resources from the health care system. Advocates say that substance addiction is a treatable disorder but will require a multi-faceted strategy - including more educational outreach programs, treatment facilities, medical personnel and treatment options.

Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of H.R.2569 - Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act of 2019
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Val Demings (FL)

I oppose reforming current drug addiction treatment policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA).
I support: 1.) Authorizing grants to train physicians and other health professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of substance use disorders. 2.) Authorize funding for curricula development related to evidence-based practices for the screening, prevention, and treatment of substance use disorders, including information about combating stigmas, practicing best practices and alternative pain therapies. 3.) Provides state and local governments with $100 billion in federal funding over ten years to expand access to evidence-based treatment and recovery support services. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Val Demings (FL) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Winning Option »» I support: 1.) Authorizing grants to train physicians and other health professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of substance use disorders. 2.) Authorize funding for curricula development related to evidence-based practices for the screening, prevention, and treatment of substance use disorders, including information about combating stigmas, practicing best practices and alternative pain therapies. 3.) Provides state and local governments with $100 billion in federal funding over ten years to expand access to evidence-based treatment and recovery support services. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Val Demings (FL) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.