Wyden Report Shows Only 1 in 10 Oregonians with Opioid Addiction Receiving Needed Treatment

Press Release

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden today released a report detailing the consequences of underfunding treatment and prevention programs for opioid addiction in Oregon and nationwide.

Earlier this year, Congress passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA), which provided a framework to address the epidemic of opioid addiction, but failed to provide the funding states like Oregon need to expand treatment capacity.

"Sadly, Oregonians are no strangers to the human toll of drug use and addiction devastating families and communities," Wyden said. "I'm extremely disheartened that Congress has closed up shop yet again without acting on its core promise to provide essential funding for proven opioid addiction treatment and prevention efforts. Until states receive real investments in these programs, Congress has failed its job. Families in Oregon and across the country deserve far better."

The report comes as Congress has taken an extended recess without providing anywhere near sufficient money to fund addiction treatment and prevention programs. The report covers two key challenges: the lack of available treatment facilities and services across the country, and the barriers people face even when treatment facilities or services are available.

The report also provides five case studies of states with high rates of opioid addiction, including Oregon. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 Oregonians suffering from drug addiction is receiving the treatment they need, while the remaining 90 percent lack access to proper care.

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