A HOUSE RESOLUTION urging the general assembly to prioritize efforts to examine and implement innovative evidence‑based methods for ensuring that adults with alcohol and substance use disorders receive needed treatment and services.
Whereas, according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 11.3 million adults age 26 or older had an alcohol use disorder in the past year, which represents 5.4% of the adults in this age group, and approximately 4.4 million adults aged 26 or older had an illicit substance use disorder in the past year, which represents 2.1% of adults aged 26 or older; and
Whereas, while every state faces its own unique and serious alcohol and substance use disorder issues, North Carolina faces death rates much higher than the national average, as evidenced by the facts that excessive consumption of alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in North Carolina and the rate of fatal substance use overdoses in some North Carolina counties are among the worst in the country; and
Whereas, one of the most tragic aspects of these statistics is that deaths attributed to alcohol and substance use disorders are entirely preventable with proper treatment and services; and
Whereas, the number of individuals who undergo treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders is not nearly as high as the number of individuals who have these disorders because they fail to seek, or decline, treatment and services due to the anticipated negative impact upon their personal freedom, their relationships with family members and friends, their careers, and their image in the community; and
Whereas, it is difficult to persuade individuals who are in serious and immediate need of treatment and services, but do not meet the legal standard for involuntary commitment to those services, to seek help; and
Whereas, guardianship laws do not ensure that individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders receive and accept needed treatment and services; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  It is the intent of the General Assembly to prioritize efforts to examine and implement innovative evidence‑based methods, other than guardianship and involuntary commitment, for ensuring that adults in need of assistance with recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders receive compassionate and effective treatment and care.
SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.