Overview of Current Federal Policy for Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders (substance abuse and addiction) impose enormous costs on society and are responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Nurses play an increasingly valuable role in the addictions prevention and treatment workforce; they can increase both access to care and the quality of services. Traditionally, drug control efforts in the United States have directed more resources toward "supply reduction" (law enforcement and interdiction) than on "demand reduction" (substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts), forcing the latter to work overtime to make an impact on rates of these disorders. Particularly as the field moves toward health care reform and improved integration of somatic and behavioral health, nurses are strongly encouraged to learn more about available national substance abuse prevention and treatment policies, strategies and evidence-based interventions (EBPs). This column provides a brief overview of current federal priorities, policy and EBPs for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.