ASAM Applauds ONDCP's 2010 Drug Control Strategy: Supports Increased Focus on Demand Reduction

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Releases 2010 Drug Control Strategy

WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) applauds the release of the Office of National Drug Control Policy's (ONDCP) 2010 Drug Control Strategy.

The 2010 Drug Control Strategy has an increased focus on demand reduction initiatives by expanding access to addiction treatment and prevention services in the public, private and criminal justice settings.  

ASAM supports the ONDCP's increased focus on demand reduction and is particularly pleased that the drug control strategy includes funding for:

• Training and educating primary healthcare providers to screen for and detect substance use disorders,
• Expanding and integrating addiction treatment into the mainstream healthcare system, and
• Developing safe and efficient ways to treat offenders with drug problems both in the criminal justice system and community based settings.

ASAM is Committed to Improving the Treatment of People Suffering with Addictions

The American Society of Addiction Medicine is an association of physicians dedicated to improving the treatment of alcohol, drug and other addictions, educating physicians and medical students, promoting research and prevention, and enlightening and informing the medical community and the public about these issues.  ASAM members practice in a wide range of primary care and specialty care settings and, as such, have firsthand knowledge of the enormous benefits that treatment confers on both the addicted patient and the community in which they live.  

The Public Needs to Know

Addiction is a chronic disease and it is treatable like other chronic illnesses. Millions of Americans are living productive lives in recovery.  Even so, 23 million Americans currently in need of treatment are unable to access it.  The new ONDCP drug strategy outlines an effective national agenda that will provide the treatment resources necessary for individuals in and seeking recovery.

For more information on the American Society of Addiction Medicine:

http://www.asam.org

SOURCE American Society of Addiction Medicine