4 Important Takeaways from the Surgeon General’s 400+ Page Report on Addiction and the US Opioid Crisis

Last Thursday, November 17, 2016, Dr. Vivek Murthy became the first surgeon general in the history of the US to issue a report on the disease of addiction. In the over 400-page report, America’s highest ranking doctor outlined the causes of addiction as well as the evidence-backed treatment options and preventative measures that would ensure America’s addiction crisis doesn’t worsen. In 1964, a similar Surgeon General Report was released, warning Americans about the harmful affects of tobacco products. Titled Smoking and Health, the report spurred the implementation of anti-smoking policies that would later lead to a significant reduction in smoking-related deaths. Dr. Murthy’s hope is that his addiction report will do for the 21st century what the 1960’s smoking report did for the 20th century, and reshape cultural norms and drive community action. Below are four major highlights from the report: 1. The Numbers are startling In an interview with NPR, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recited several shocking statistics from the report: “An estimated 20.8 million people in our country are living with a substance use disorder. This is similar to the number of people who have diabetes, and 1.5 times the number of people who have all cancers combined. This number does not include the millions of people who are misusing substances but may not yet have a full-fledged disorder.” 2. Prevention is vital The potentially damaging effects of teen drinking is heavily emphasized in the report. According to statistics Dr Murthy cites, those who start drinking as adolescents are four times as likely to develop substance use disorders later on than those who do not. Thus, as the report suggests, one important way society may be able to curb addiction is to stop it before it starts, through education programs aimed at teens and parents. Not only might this be a smart health policy but also a smart financial move as well. Statistics cited in the report found that every dollar that is invested in substance use disorder treatments saves four dollars in healthcare costs and seven dollars in costs associated with criminal justice. 3. Americans aren’t receiving treatment The report stated that 90 percent of people who need help for a substance use disorder aren’t receiving it. In an interview with NBC News, Murthy said, “I want you to imagine only one in ten people with diabetes or cancer getting treatment. We wouldn’t tolerate it. It’s absolutely imperative that we invest in treatment to get people the help they need.” 4. There’s hope While the numbers paint a dismal picture, Dr. Murthy ends his report on a positive note, outlining a detailed plan for parents, educators, healthcare workers and community leaders. He also makes mention of a survey that has found that “more than 25 million people who once had a problem with alcohol or drugs no longer do”. With proper treatment, people can—and do—recover from addiction.

Somber Statistics about America’s Addiction Crisis

1. Substance use disorders are more common than many people think. Indeed, there are more people currently in the US suffering from a substance use disorder than all forms of cancer combined. As is written in the report: “Substance use disorders represent one of the most pressing public health crises of our time. For far too long, too many in our country have viewed addiction as a moral failing. This unfortunate stigma has created an added burden of shame that has made people with substance use disorders less likely to come forward and seek help.” 2. One in seven Americans will experience a substance use disorder at some point during their lifetime. 3. According to sources sited in the report, 78 people die each day from opioid overdose. Since 1999, that figure has almost quadrupled. 4. An estimated 50,000 people died from an alcohol or drug overdose in 2014. By comparison, 32,744 people died in a car accident in 2014. 5. Those who began drinking before 15 years of age are four times more likely to become addicted at some point in lifetimes than those who began drinking when they were 20 years of age or older. 6. Substance use disorders (SUDs) may be becoming increasingly common, but only 10 percent of people with a SUD will get treatment. About LVRC: Las Vegas Recovery Center(LVRC) is a drug and alcohol addiction rehab located in Southern Nevada. Our recovery center offers a wide range of addiction treatment services, including inpatient, outpatient, sober living residences and a robust family and alumni program. Please visit our addiction services page to learn more.