Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction.

IV 116TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. 714 Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NOVEMBER 19, 2019 Mr. BRINDISI (for himself and Mr. BUDD) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use dis- order and addiction. Whereas substance use disorder is a diagnosis made based on a checklist of symptoms, is specific to the substance used, and may be mild, moderate, or severe; Whereas the American Society of Addiction Medicine defines ‘‘addiction’’ as a chronic medical disease involving com- plex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the envi- ronment, and an individual’s life experiences; Whereas people with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue de- spite harmful consequences, symptoms that correspond to a moderate or severe substance use disorder; VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:22 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR714.IH HR714 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 714 IH Whereas recognizing addiction as a disease helps to destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction and acknowledges that substance use may be beyond an indi- vidual’s control; Whereas certain factors place individuals at heightened risk of developing addiction; Whereas an individual’s environment and surroundings may intensify the risk of developing a substance use disorder; Whereas addiction may impact the mental and physical health of an individual, and mental and physical health disorders may contribute to substance use; Whereas diagnosing substance use and mental health dis- orders is a complex process that requires consultation with appropriate professionals and experts; Whereas substance use by an individual with addiction may dominate all aspects of that individual’s life and, there- fore, the biological, psychological, and social aspects of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder should be treated and addressed through a mutually agreed- upon plan of action to accommodate the individual needs of the patient; Whereas treatment approaches for substance use disorder that target the symptoms and drivers of alcohol and drug use, as well as the mental health effects of such use, are needed; Whereas treatment approaches for substance use disorder that address the biological, psychological, and social as- pects of the disorder are necessary for individuals to make a full recovery; Whereas while some treatment options may differ for dif- ferent substance use disorders, other interventions such VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:22 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR714.IH HR714 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 714 IH as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective regardless of the substance or be- havior; and Whereas individuals with substance use disorder may lack fi- nancial, social, emotional, or other resources necessary to secure treatment, even if such individuals recognize the need for treatment: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) recognizes addiction as a treatable, chronic 2 medical disease involving complex interactions 3 among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and 4 an individual’s life experiences; 5 (2) supports evidence-based treatment ap- 6 proaches for substance use disorder that address the 7 biological, psychological, and social aspects of the 8 disorder; and 9 (3) supports efforts to prevent and destigmatize 10 substance use disorder and addiction. 11 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:22 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR714.IH HR714 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS