In 1987, the American Medical Association officially declared addiction a chronic disease. Recently, it has become clear that this disease has permeated every aspect of our society.
The most recent available data shows that nearly half of U.S. adults have experienced drug use problems in their family. The actual number may actually be even higher. At one of my recent presentations, with nearly 100 professionals in the room, I asked them if they had a substance use disorder or knew someone who had struggled with a substance use disorder. I asked please. All participants raised their hands.
The number of people suffering is devastating, resulting in more than 106,000 people dying from drug overdose each year. This his loss of nearly 300 people per day does not even include the lives of individuals affected by alcoholism.
While the statistics on addiction are disappointing, there is also hope. Recovery is possible. More than 20 million Americans are now on track to recover. Additionally, studies have shown that 80% of people who recover from addiction achieve significant personal milestones.
Recovery is a lifelong journey. Through this journey, individuals were able to grow by earning college degrees, changing careers, raising families, and finding new jobs. Thanks to connections and resources, they were able to take control of the disease and become productive and valued members of society.
Given the vast number of people struggling with addiction, and the resilience and potential of those in recovery, it is up to each of us to provide a meaningful, effective, and nonjudgmental environment for their success. This makes it even more important to participate in supporting their journey.
One important aspect of this assistance is the establishment of recovery housing. A study conducted in Ohio found that there is a “nearly limitless” need for such housing, yet there is a significant lack of available resources across communities. Smaller programs in particular are struggling to secure and prepare housing for this purpose, highlighting the urgent need for financial assistance.
Establishing recovery housing is a complex endeavor, involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, certification requirements, business licenses, insurance regulations, rental guidelines, zoning regulations, health and safety standards, fire codes and welfare funding.
These complexities mean that recovery housing funding gaps must be addressed at both the federal and local levels. But a long-term investment in recovery housing not only benefits individuals on their journey to sobriety, but also has broader societal impacts. According to the National Safety Council, recovering workers save their employers $8,175 per year in separation, medical, and replacement costs and miss 13.7 fewer days per year than workers with untreated addictions. He is said to be contributing to this.
The Opioid Settlement Fund is currently being distributed to different regions across the country, but some states have not yet determined how it will be distributed. These spending and decisions will be made with a focus on supporting recovery housing and ensuring that individuals with lived experience can lead and provide life-saving services as communities continue essential efforts. It is important to prioritize funding for evidence-based programs, such as targeted initiatives. Use disorder.
Addiction, particularly the current opioid epidemic, is a pervasive national crisis that requires a coordinated, community-led response. reconstruction housing is a cornerstone in the fight against addiction, providing individuals with a supportive environment to rebuild their lives.
It is imperative that we make it a national priority to allocate sufficient funding and resources to establish and maintain these critical facilities to ensure their success and utilization throughout our communities. It not only saves lives, but also has far-reaching economic and social benefits that should not be underestimated.
Jeff Horwitz is CEO. SAFE project Former White House military advisor.
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