The First 100 Days: Regina LaBelle in the Journal of Addiction Medicine

Posted in News  |  Tagged director, government, politics, publication, recovery

Last week, the American Society of Addiction Medicine highlighted a commentary piece written by our Director, Regina LaBelle, on the first 100 days of the Trump administration and its impacts on the addiction field. In it, she reviews changes in the nation’s drug policy strategy, from the structural to the financial. Below are some key quotes from the article:

The elimination of 20,000 HHS positions has resulted in a significant loss of expertise. In some instances, entire work groups have been eliminated. For example, the SAMHSA work group overseeing the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has been terminated, and a sole employee remains in the NIH Office of Pain Policy and Planning.

Regina LaBelle, Journal of Addiction Medicine

These wholescale changes make it difficult to predict the impact on clinical care for patients and others affected by substance use. Changes to Medicaid will have ramifications for patients, as it is one of the primary payors for addiction treatment. Changes to data collection may result in reduced early warning and challenges in tracking the impact of treatment efforts. Research efforts, and hence progress, that address diversity, equity, HIV/AIDS, and pain—all important challenges and comorbidities among people who use drugs—will be slowed.

Check out the full article for free in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.