Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) this week reintroduced the Supporting Families Through Addiction Act with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and U.S. Representatives Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) and David Trone (D-Md.). The legislation would create a $25 million grant program over five years to help national and local nonprofit organizations provide support services to the families of those undergoing substance use disorder treatment.
With drug overdoses on the rise, it’s important to continue to address the opioid epidemic from every angle. Since 1999, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses. With a record 109,000 Americans lost in 2022, Stanford now estimates 1.2 million more Americans will die in this decade alone. Providing more treatment and support services to folks suffering from addiction will save countless lives.
“As the addiction crisis continues to hit communities in West Virginia and across the nation, it is clear the devastating impact it is having not only on those struggling with addiction, but their loved ones,” Senator Capito said. “The stigma of addiction all too often leaves individuals and their families feeling isolated, ashamed, and unsure where to turn for reliable information and advice. This bipartisan legislation will hopefully provide family members with the support, resources, and information they need to assist their loved ones struggling with substance use disorders and in recovery, as well as within their family who are also impacted by it.”
Organizations around the country help millions of families affected by substance use disorder every day. These groups offer services to families that are often not provided by treatment facilities nor covered by insurance. However, most of these organizations receive little to no government support. The Supporting Families Through Addiction Act will help close that gap.
Evidence has shown that when families are involved in their loved one’s treatment and recovery, outcomes improve. Those with family members engaged in programs and services such as Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) – an evidence-based model that teaches families the skills to have productive and effective conversations and interactions with their children – show a higher treatment retention rate.
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