United States Country Profile

Drug policy

The US national drug strategy aims to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing and trafficking; drug-related crime and violence; and drug-related health consequences.
On March 29, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis.

Treatment is delivered in many different settings and uses a range of behavioural and pharmacological approaches. 
There are more than 14,500 specialised drug treatment facilities that provide counselling, behavioural therapy, medication, case management, and other types of services to persons with substance use disorders.
Drug abuse and addiction are also treated in doctors’ offices and mental health clinics. Providers include counsellors, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers. 
Outpatient, inpatient, and residential treatment is available.
Local, State and Federal governments fund a large portion of drug abuse and addiction treatment services.
Private and employer-subsidised health plans may also cover treatment of addiction.

Prevention approaches include environmental initiatives tailored for local communities that aim to tackle the root causes of risky behaviours through the creation of environments suited to healthy living.
Lawmakers, local officials, community leaders and other members from various sectors of the community (e.g schools, businesses, health, faith) contribute to the successful implementation of environmental provisions.