Below are quotes from the U.S. Surgeon General's first-time report on addiction. For the full report, click here.
Fifty years ago, the landmark Surgeon General’s report on
the dangers of smoking began a half century of work to end the tobacco epidemic
and saved millions of lives. With The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol,
Drugs, and Health, I am issuing a new call to action to end the public health
crisis of addiction. Please join me in taking the actions outlined in this
Report and in helping ensure that all Americans can lead healthy and fulfilling
lives.
This Report offers a way forward through a public health approach
that is firmly grounded in the best available science. Recognizing that we all
have a role to play, the Report contains suggested actions that are intended
for parents, families, educators, health care professionals, public policy
makers, researchers, and all community members.
Above all, we can never forget that the faces of substance
use disorders are real people. They are a beloved family member, a friend, a
colleague, and ourselves. Despite the significant work that remains ahead of
us, there are reasons to be hopeful. I find hope in the people I have met in
recovery all across America who are now helping others with substance use
disorders find their way. I draw strength from the communities I have visited
that are coming together to work on prevention initiatives and to connect more
people to treatment. And I am inspired by the countless family members who have
lost loved ones to addiction and who have transformed their pain into a passion
for helping others. These individuals and communities are rays of hope. It is
now our collective duty to bring such light to all corners of our country.
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