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| Dr. Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General |
A
“landmark” report from the US surgeon general that signals a shift in alcohol
policy towards reducing stigma surrounding addiction has been welcomed by trade
associations in the country. Published 17
November, 2016, Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s
Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, marks the first time a US
Surgeon General has dedicated a report to substance misuse and related
disorders.
“Alcohol and drug addiction take an enormous
toll on individuals, families, and communities,” said Dr Vivek Murthy, US
surgeon general. “Most Americans know
someone who has been touched by an alcohol or a drug use disorder. Yet 90
percent of people with a substance use disorder are not getting treatment and that
has to change.”
The
report calls for action to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, to
change the way people perceive substance abuse disorders, to better recognize
substance misuse and to expand access to treatment. “It’s time to change how we view addiction as
a chronic illness that must be treated with skill, urgency and compassion. The
way we address this crisis is a test for America.” “We
are pleased to see the surgeon general’s report acknowledges that moderate
alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy diet for adults,” said The
Distilled Spirits Council, Beer Institute and Wine Institute in a joint
statement.
“We
also welcome the Surgeon General’s efforts to destigmatize treatment and
recovery for those for whom alcohol consumption is a concern. “The prevailing and widely accepted research
shows that one-size-fits-all policies, including advertising bans and tax
increases, fail to effectively address the problem of alcohol abuse, divert
resources from more targeted approaches, and unfairly and negatively impact
moderate and responsible consumers.
