Congress Cannot Abandon the Battle Against the Addiction Crisis

The Ongoing Fight Against Addiction

Long before Congress found the courage to address the addiction crisis, dedicated advocates were already leading the charge. They shared their narratives at kitchen tables and in church basements, confronting the stigma that treats addiction as a moral failure. They have organized, marched, testified, and demanded that our government recognize a fundamental truth: addiction is a disease, and recovery is not only possible—it is being realized each day.

Progress Through Advocacy

During my time in Congress, I have had the honor of learning from these advocates. Groups like Faces & Voices of Recovery have been invaluable partners, bringing the voices of recovery directly to Capitol Hill. This collaboration has been essential in educating federal policymakers and holding us accountable. The progress in addiction policy stems not from mere legislation but from the lived experiences of those who confront addiction every day.

Survey Insights: A Shift in Perception

A new national survey released by Faces & Voices of Recovery reveals an encouraging shift in American attitudes toward addiction. The study, titled Public Perceptions of Addiction and Recovery: A 20-Year Follow-Up to the Hart Benchmark (2004–2026), demonstrates profound changes:

• 52% of likely voters now recognize mental illness as the top national health concern, a significant increase from just 7% two decades ago.
• Concern over the lack of addiction treatment has surged from 32% to 59%.
• 83% of voters—across the political spectrum—support making Medicaid cover addiction treatment as a fundamental health service.

These numbers are not simply statistical victories; they reflect decades of advocacy, courage, and the relentless storytelling of individuals in recovery and the organizations that support them. Every person who advocates for access to care is a testament to the power of lived experiences. These proponents declare, “This is who I am, this is what I survived, and this is what I need to stay well.” And this community has played a pivotal role in pushing for scientific advancements and making critical treatments accessible.

Falling Death Toll—Yet Fragile Progress

The overdose death toll, which had seen years of harrowing increases, has recently begun to decline. This progress remains fragile, but it signifies an inflection point: a moment when the alignment of science, public sentiment, and policy can fundamentally reshape the course of addiction in America.

Unfortunately, amidst this progress, we face significant challenges.

Dangerous Cuts to SAMHSA

The current administration's dismantling of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) poses a significant threat to recovery efforts nationwide. In a time when the president's fiscal 2027 budget proposes substantial funding cuts and structural changes to SAMHSA, we must urgently restore the agency's staffing and budget.

“Don't cut addiction and mental health services. Don't destroy the decades of progress we have made.”

SAMHSA is critical; it connects individuals in crisis to essential treatment and funds vital recovery support programs that help rebuild lives. The advocacy that shaped SAMHSA's grant programs primarily arose from recovery organizations like Faces & Voices, who advocated tirelessly for community-level needs.

The Voice of the People

Recent survey results show 81% of voters endorsing increased federal funding for treatment and recovery services. This support transcends political divides, indicating a broad consensus on the necessity of these programs. Advocates have reminded us that these views are widely held among Americans of all income levels, education backgrounds, and political affiliations.

In a Capitol increasingly defined by division, addiction policy has offered a rare avenue for bipartisan governance. I have consistently found allies across the aisle in this fight, driven by a collective commitment to the recovery community demanding actionable measures from us.

The Way Forward

The stakes are high. We must not fail the advocates, families, and individuals in recovery who have fought tirelessly for change. The message is clear: the advancements we've made are not ours to discard but rather a legacy entrusted to us by those who have dedicated their lives to this cause.

Let's resolve to protect the funding streams that our communities rely upon and recognize that the achievements of the last 20 years are accomplishments of the recovery community that we are here to champion—not dismantle.

In a moment when momentum towards recovery progress is palpable, I implore my colleagues in Congress to stand firm and give their unwavering support to addiction treatment and recovery. Change is possible if we act together, but it starts with each of us understanding our responsibility to protect this critical work.