America’s Opioid Epidemic: Lessons Learned & A Way Forward

The opioid epidemic largely defined the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry over the last 20 years, with the crisis progressively getting worse and touching almost every community in America, hitting some significantly harder than others. As the epidemic grew, so too did the need to accurately define and treat the issues at its core – with an understanding that it is a disease that requires a multifaceted, evidence-based solution. Extensive academic and medical research in recent years has proven the safest and most effective solution requires both medication and behavioral therapy, but only 20 percent of those battling opioid addiction get the treatment they need. 

If the first 20 years of the 21st century were marked by an acute growth in the crisis – giving rise to proven and effective research – what can and should be done in the next decade to combat this widespread disease? Since 2016, Congress has passed several major pieces of legislation to fight the epidemic. Have they made a difference, and what other policy solutions can ensure the health and well-being of communities most directly impacted by this crisis? 

The Hill convened policymakers and medical experts to discuss steps to expand access to treatment and help those battling opioid addiction begin the journey toward long-term recovery.

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