CARA, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (S. 524/H.R. 953)
While heroin and opioid abuse are a key concern, we must move beyond simple responses to drug trends and emerging threats, and concentrate instead on improving addiction treatment and recovery nationwide. Addiction is a treatable disease, but only about 10 percent of those who need treatment are receiving it. Discoveries in the science of addiction have led to advances in drug abuse treatment that can help people stop abusing drugs and resume their productive lives.
KEY QUOTES
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
“After years of misguided approach, Congress sees addiction for what it is: a health crisis.”
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
“Opioid prescription drug and heroin addiction is ripping away at the fiber of our homes and our communities in our nation.”
AMENDMENTS
- S.Amdt. 3362 (Feinstein), which gives the Justice Department additional tools to combat extraterritorial drug trafficking – PASSED 89/0
- S.Amdt. 3395 (Wyden) – REJECTED 46/50
- S.Amdt. 3345 (Shaheen), which would allocate funding to address the opioid epidemic, including: $300 million for state programs focused on prevention, treatment and recovery; and, $230 million to law enforcement initiatives, including treatment alternatives to incarceration – REJECTED48/47
WHAT YOU CAN DO
CARA IN THE NEWS
Heroin bill will help women, babies, and families
By: Senator Rob Portman (OH)
Madison Press
Senate Republicans Block $600 Million In Emergency Funding To Fight Heroin, Opioid Epidemic
By: Laura Barron-Lopez
Huffington Post
Drug Epidemic Demands Action
By: Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV)
Charleston-Gazette Mail
ABOUT CARA
Infographic
Sign-On Letter
Petition
Addiction Policy Forum site