"The Trump administration has reportedly slashed U.S. federal funding for mental health and addition programs, a move that experts say will exacerbate the country's already acute drug crisis. The loss could total some $2 billion in grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), NPR reported, citing unnamed sources. But the extent of the cuts has not been verified. The number of grants canceled could be as high as 2,800, according to STAT."
"This is going to cost American lives, no doubt, says Daniel Ciccarone, a professor of addiction medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. It's an utter shame, given the fact that overdoses are on the decline. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today."
"The decline in overdose deaths in the U.S. is not by chance, says Regina LaBelle, a professor of addiction policy at Georgetown University. The federal government invested in state and community-based efforts to prevent substance use, treat people with substance use disorder and support recovery. The funding cuts made by the administration today reflect a retreat from these investments, she says. The development is a shock, Ciccarone says, noting that the opioid epidemic has disproportionately affected red states."
The Trump administration cut U.S. federal funding for mental health and addiction programs, potentially eliminating up to $2 billion in SAMHSA grants and canceling as many as 2,800 awards. Experts warn the reductions will worsen the ongoing drug crisis and may cost lives. CDC data show estimated drug overdose deaths declined nearly 21 percent between August 2024 and August 2025. Researchers attribute the decline to federal investments in prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Officials and experts characterize the cuts as a retreat from those investments and express shock given recent progress in reducing overdose deaths.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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