Surgeon General issues report on preventing substance misuse, related disorders

Alcohol and drug misuse and related disorders are major public health challenges that are taking an enormous toll on individuals, families and society, according to a report released today by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D. For example, nearly 21 million Americans suffer from substance use disorders, but only one in 10 receives any type of specialty treatment, the report notes. “Despite the social and economic costs, this is a time of great opportunity,” the report adds. “Ongoing health care and criminal justice reform efforts, as well as advances in clinical, research and information technologies are creating new opportunities for increased access to effective prevention and treatment services.” The report provides a comprehensive background on addiction in the U.S. and provides suggestions for individuals and families, educators and academic institutions, health care professionals and professional associations, health care systems, communities, the private sector, government and researchers. For health care systems, suggestions include promoting prevention, evidence-based treatments and integration of behavioral health and general health care; working with payers to implement comprehensive billing models for integrated services; and using technology to support substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery.