The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) was created to address the growing epidemic of heroin addiction and opioid abuse in the United States. Heroin addiction has risen dramatically. In fact, in 2014 approximately 900,000 people admitted to using heroin at least once. This was an astounding 35% increase from the previous year.

Prescriptions for opioids have never been higher. CARA authorizes Congress to designate funds for grants to help combat these growing problems. Here is some of what this act will do for drug addiction.

Affordability

It is all too true that some people do not seek professional treatment due to the high cost involved with addiction therapy. CARA will mean that costs are subsidized or delivered on more of a sliding scale so that everyone has access to good treatment options.

Raise Awareness

Many people do not realize just how much of a problem drug addiction is. In fact, you may know someone who is silently suffering from prescription drug addiction. Just because someone has a valid prescription for a medication does not mean they are not abusing the substance. Some addicts buy extra pills on the street for a premium price after they run out of their own legal supply. When communities realize the extent of a problem, they can offer a higher level of support.

Those in rural areas have higher levels of opioid abuse in their communities. CARA is dedicated to offering outreach services and support to rural and underprivileged areas to reduce the rate of addiction.

Treatment Instead of Imprisonment

CARA recognizes that those addicted to heroin need help not incarceration. Medical personnel and first responders will be made to be trained in recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose quickly and will always have the antidote on hand to prevent overdose deaths.

Getting The Help You Need

Recovery Care Partner is here to provide the support needed to overcome addiction. We offer substance abuse counseling, sober companions, sober coaching, and much more. If you or someone you love is going through an addiction problem, please give us a call today.