IV 
116TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 714 
Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts to prevent, treat, 
and destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NOVEMBER 19, 2019 
Mr. BRINDISI (for himself and Mr. BUDD) submitted the following resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing addiction as a disease and supporting efforts 
to prevent, treat, and destigmatize substance use dis-
order and addiction. 
Whereas substance use disorder is a diagnosis made based on 
a checklist of symptoms, is specific to the substance used, 
and may be mild, moderate, or severe; 
Whereas the American Society of Addiction Medicine defines 
‘‘addiction’’ as a chronic medical disease involving com-
plex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the envi-
ronment, and an individual’s life experiences; 
Whereas people with addiction use substances or engage in 
behaviors that become compulsive and often continue de-
spite harmful consequences, symptoms that correspond to 
a moderate or severe substance use disorder; 
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•HRES 714 IH 
Whereas recognizing addiction as a disease helps to 
destigmatize substance use disorder and addiction and 
acknowledges that substance use may be beyond an indi-
vidual’s control; 
Whereas certain factors place individuals at heightened risk 
of developing addiction; 
Whereas an individual’s environment and surroundings may 
intensify the risk of developing a substance use disorder; 
Whereas addiction may impact the mental and physical 
health of an individual, and mental and physical health 
disorders may contribute to substance use; 
Whereas diagnosing substance use and mental health dis-
orders is a complex process that requires consultation 
with appropriate professionals and experts; 
Whereas substance use by an individual with addiction may 
dominate all aspects of that individual’s life and, there-
fore, the biological, psychological, and social aspects of 
individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder should 
be treated and addressed through a mutually agreed- 
upon plan of action to accommodate the individual needs 
of the patient; 
Whereas treatment approaches for substance use disorder 
that target the symptoms and drivers of alcohol and drug 
use, as well as the mental health effects of such use, are 
needed; 
Whereas treatment approaches for substance use disorder 
that address the biological, psychological, and social as-
pects of the disorder are necessary for individuals to 
make a full recovery; 
Whereas while some treatment options may differ for dif-
ferent substance use disorders, other interventions such 
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•HRES 714 IH 
as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral 
therapy are effective regardless of the substance or be-
havior; and 
Whereas individuals with substance use disorder may lack fi-
nancial, social, emotional, or other resources necessary to 
secure treatment, even if such individuals recognize the 
need for treatment: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes addiction as a treatable, chronic 
medical 
disease 
involving 
complex 
interactions 
among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and 
an individual’s life experiences; 
(2) supports evidence-based treatment ap-
proaches for substance use disorder that address the 
biological, psychological, and social aspects of the 
disorder; and 
(3) supports efforts to prevent and destigmatize 
substance use disorder and addiction. 
Æ 
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