Increase funding for substance abuse treatment so that it is available to all who need and want it
Providing $13 billion in additional federal funding to help make treatment for substance use disorder low-cost or free to nearly everyone who needs and wants it is favored by majorities in every swing state (65% to 79%), including Democrats (77% to 86%) and Republicans (56% to 77%). Nationally, a bipartisan majority (80%) is in favor.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
Treatment is an effective and relatively inexpensive way to treat substance misuse and addiction. An abundance of research shows that treatment is very cost effective. Think about it: spending one dollar on treatment results in seven dollars of savings to society. Some studies put it at twelve dollars. Clearly, it is the sensible thing to do."
Con Argument
Taxpayers should not be paying to fix the problems that people knowingly got themselves into. If a person decides to start using dangerous and addictive drugs, that is their responsibility. They should be the ones to get their life back on track. When they are ready to change they will find a way
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 75% | 69% | 83% | 14% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | July 2024 | 80% | 77% | 86% | 9% | favor |
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Increase government spending on substance use disorder by $13 billion, which would mean nearly all people who want and need treatment would get it.
Program for Public Consultation — July 2024
$11 billion a year to local and state governments to: expand existing treatment programs and build new treatment centers to increase the number of openings and reduce waiting lists; offer free or low-cost treatment for people who cannot afford it because they do not have insurance, have used up their coverage or cannot afford the copays that many health insurance plans require. $2 billion a year to research substance use disorders and train healthcare professionals in best-practices to treat substance use disorder and to deal with overdoses.
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