What Do Federal Funding Cuts Mean for Addiction Treatment Access?

Last month, as part of a sweeping series of spending cuts and realignment of federal resources, the Trump Administration revoked over $11 billion set aside to help communities across the country strengthen addiction and mental health treatment. A COVID-era program that was slated to run through September 2025, the initiative was meant to funnel much-needed money to combat substance use disorder and mental health challenges that significantly escalated during the Pandemic. 

Part of A Broad Array of Changes

Although still incredibly high, overdoses from fentanyl and other drugs declined sharply between 2023 and 2024, thanks, in large part, to bolstered funding provided by programs like this. Cancellation of funds comes at the same time the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is merging the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) into a new agency called the Administration for A Healthy America and as hundreds of federal addiction researchers are being fired from their positions. 

Additionally, the entire team responsible for conducting and delivering SAMHA’s National Survey of Drug Use and Health has been terminated, leaving a very deep opening in policy analysis to inform prevention and treatment strategy–the NSDUH has provided a reliable snapshot of the addiction situation in the United States for decades. 

What Will These Cuts Mean for Me or My Loved One?

While the story is still unfolding, and each person’s addiction treatment access journey is different, the revocation of funds, at a minimum, abruptly stops services that are already in motion and on which patients across the country have been relying for years now. 

Much of the impact will be felt on a state-by-state basis as state and local governments reconcile how to offset the losses with additional resources, some of which are more equipped than others. Addiction experts and prevention advocates are now bracing for deep cuts in Medicaid treatment, which provides the largest well of funding for addiction and mental health treatment in the country. 

The Importance of Continuity in Addiction Treatment

A seamless continuum of care is one of the most powerful weapons against relapse in the treatment and recovery toolkit. It not only helps people ensure they have uninterrupted access to medications, behavioral therapy, case management services, and other critical resources; it also helps them develop a routine and structure that can be critical for accountability and empowerment. On a macro level, these cuts can also cause communities to face Narcan shortages and other potentially lifesaving overdose prevention resources. 

What Can I Do?

• Knowledge is power. If you or someone you care about is in danger of being affected by these cuts, one of the most immediate actions you can take is to get educated about your program’s funding source and if it will be impacted. Talk to an administrator and find out if there is a timeline for treatment cessation so you can plan accordingly. 
• Try to have a Plan B. We realize it can be very difficult to access treatment as it is, but having an alternate means of continuing your program can help minimize disruption in treatment. This may mean finding another MAT provider, looking for therapy that more aligns with your resources, or making any other adjustments based on your clinical needs. 

We’re Ready to Help However We Can

As changes to federal, state, and local policies continue to affect treatment access, Recovery Unplugged is committed to making it as easy as possible for you or your loved one to get the help you need. We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment at locations across the country, as well as online options, all of which are covered by insurance. We offer a full continuum of care, including medically supervised detox, comprehensive behavioral rehab, medication-assisted therapy, and more to help you heal and move forward. Contact our admissions team to start your treatment today.