Advocates fear Trump's addiction recovery initiative is an empty promise

TL;DR

President Trump signed an executive order establishing the Great American Recovery Initiative, an intergovernmental task force to address the substance abuse epidemic.
Addiction recovery advocates are skeptical, stating the initiative may not be effective without increased federal funding for treatment and congressional action.
The executive order acknowledges that few people with substance abuse disorders receive treatment, despite medical and psychological advancements.
The initiative is led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and includes Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's wife, Kathryn Burgum, as an adviser.
Critics argue that proposed cuts to Medicaid spending by the GOP will undermine efforts to help those struggling with addiction, as Medicaid is a major payer for treatment.
Concerns are raised about Medicaid work requirements potentially jeopardizing access to addiction treatment.
Some advocates are wary due to past funding cancellations by the Trump administration and call for a consistent, coherent strategy.
A policy expert suggests addiction is a neuropsychological condition and criticizes the DEA's regulations on methadone treatment, limiting access.
Bipartisan legislation to improve access to methadone treatment has not been reintroduced.
Advocates and clinicians hope the administration's focus will encourage Congress to pass legislation that strengthens access to addiction care.

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