Although these lawmakers are committed to seeking parity for health coverage of alcoholics and drug addicts, even their most ardent supporters admit that they face an uphill battle. And because of the stigma that is still attached to addiction, there is no national consumer group for alcoholics and drug addicts. Unlike advocates for mental health parity, then, advocates for addiction coverage parity don't have much congressional muscle behind their cause. Ramstad admits that many of his Capitol Hill colleagues don't understand the disease of drug addiction. Politicians have to hear and accept the message that putting more money into dealing with treatment and prevention will produce better results than locking up people with a drug problem, he says, but the field has a massive education job to do to accomplish that goal.
Treatment also is less expensive than interdiction, enforcement and prosecution.
McColl says policymakers have to realize that changing the law is important. Treatment has become more restrictive, and people are trying desperate means to get in. Many of those addicted to alcohol and drugs in the U.S. who go untreated cannot afford to pay for treatment or have inadequate or no insurance to cover costs. But even among the insured, substance abuse treatment is increasingly unavailable.