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Surgeon General Issues Landmark Addiction Report

Today the United States Attorney General issued a first-of-its-kind report on addiction. The report makes a finding that substance use disorder is one of America’s most pressing public health concerns with nearly 21 million Americans – more than the number of people who have all cancers combined – suffering.

“Alcohol and drug addiction take an enormous toll on individuals, families, and communities,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. “Most Americans know someone who has been touched by an alcohol or a drug use disorder. Yet 90 percent of people with a substance use disorder are not getting treatment. That has to change.” The report marks the first time a U.S. Surgeon General has dedicated a report to substance misuse. The report calls for a comprehensive and integrated health care response.

For the full report visit https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/.