Luján, Cornyn, Kaine, Shaheen, Durbin Introduce Legislation to Boost Substance Use Recovery Resources and Services

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced the Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act to reauthorize and expand resources for individuals experiencing substance use disorder. As the United States faces a severe behavioral health crisis, exacerbated by an epidemic of substance use disorders (SUD), individuals in recovery are often struggling to reintegrate into society due to stigma, lack of support, and limited access to resources that address their complex needs.

SUD represents a significant public health challenge in the United States. In 2021, over 37.3 million Americans aged 12 and older were currently using illicit drugs, with 59.2 million or 21.4% having used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year​​. Despite the high prevalence of substance use, the availability of recovery services is not keeping pace. Of the more than 46 million Americans with a substance use disorder in 2021, which represents 16.5% of the population, only 6% received treatment​​. For those individuals who battled their SUD, and worked hard to reach the other side, access to recovery services is tragically limited.

To assist recovery and help reintegrate into society, the Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act reauthorizes this grant program for five years and increases funding from $5 million a year to $16 million a year to address the need for recovery services. The grant program allows organizations to develop and enhance peer recovery and general recovery support, while also fostering collaboration with other harm reduction entities. The funding will also enable these organizations to offer a number of services, including advocacy, education, employment assistance, and outreach to families and communities.

“The road to recovery after battling a substance use disorder is challenging. From integrating back into society, to navigating limited resources available, and overcoming the stigma attached – people do recover and we have to make it easier,” said Senator Luján. “The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act addresses these challenges by providing funding to expand recovery resources for individuals experiencing substance use disorder. This funding will help local organizations develop more robust support systems that include advocacy, education, job assistance, and family outreach, ensuring our communities have accessible pathways to recovery.”

“Community-based support services are critical for individuals on the road to recovery from substance use disorders,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation would reauthorize the Strengthening Communities of Recovery Program to ensure individuals who rely on these important resources don’t lose access to them.”

“Substance use disorder impacts Virginians across the Commonwealth, and it’s important that we help individuals and families get the support they need to recover,” said Senator Kaine. “The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act would help develop, improve, and expand peer support and recovery services for Virginians in need.”

“Substance use disorder continues to plague communities across the country, and far too often, those impacted lack access to comprehensive recovery services,” said Senator Shaheen. “Just last year, overdose deaths increased 11 percent in New Hampshire. We can’t allow this to continue, which is why I’m proud to support the Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act that would provide vital funding for recovery support programs, including several in the Granite State.”

“As America faces an unprecedented addiction and overdose crisis, we must assist in the recovery of individuals that have battled substance use disorder, and ensure there are resources and supports along the way,” said Senator Durbin. “The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Actwill create a pathway for the development and enhancement of recovery support for individuals affected nationwide.”

Full text of the bill is available HERE. One pager is available HERE.

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