A resolution supporting the designation of October 2025 as "Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month" to raise awareness of substance use and misuse in the United States.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 476
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-30: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S7851)
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-02T16:33:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 476) aims to increase public awareness about substance use and misuse in the United States by supporting the designation of October 2025 as "Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month." It highlights the scale of the issue and encourages preventive efforts.
Key Provisions
- Background Statistics: The resolution includes data from 2024 showing the extent of substance use among Americans aged 12 and older, such as:
- 58 million people engaging in binge drinking (defined as excessive alcohol consumption in a short period).
- Over 73 million people (about 1 in 4) using illicit drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine.
- 48 million people with a substance use disorder (a condition where substance use leads to significant health or social problems).
- 28 million with an illicit drug use disorder.
- Only 9 million receiving treatment for substance use disorders.
- Over 23 million in recovery from substance use problems.
- Senate Support: The resolution expresses the Senate's backing for:
- Effective programs to prevent substance use and misuse, especially noting that starting use in adolescence increases risks in adulthood.
- Initiatives to address the ongoing drug addiction and overdose epidemic.
- Officially designating October 2025 as "Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month" to promote awareness and action.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a formal statement of congressional intent rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May encourage greater public education and participation in prevention programs, potentially reducing substance use initiation among youth and supporting recovery efforts for the millions affected.
- On Government Agencies: Could prompt federal health agencies (like the Department of Health and Human Services) to highlight or expand awareness campaigns during October 2025, though without mandating new funding or actions.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the focus is domestic public health.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and families dealing with substance use disorders, including those in recovery (over 23 million people).
- Youth and adolescents at risk of starting substance use.
- Healthcare providers, treatment centers, and community organizations involved in prevention and recovery programs.
- The general public, through increased awareness of the epidemic's scale.
- Federal and state health agencies responsible for public health initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and does not require presidential approval or House concurrence; it is purely symbolic.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in addressing public welfare under the Constitution's general welfare clause, but imposes no new obligations.
- Political: Signals bipartisan concern (introduced by Senators Ricketts and Schiff) about the substance use crisis, potentially influencing future policy discussions or funding priorities without creating controversy. Referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for consideration.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-30: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S7851)
- 2025-10-30: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of October 2025 as Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month to raise awareness of substance use and misuse in the United States. — issued 2025-10-30 — PDF (2 pages)