The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism are being renamed. Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees have referred to the agencies by their new names in FY 2023 legislation. The new names are, respectively, the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute on Drugs and Addiction, and the National Institute on Alcohol Effects and Alcohol-Related Disorders. Once the final FY 2023 funding legislation is signed by President Biden, the name changes will be final.
The agencies have been concerned for several years that the presence of the term “abuse” in their names could increase stigma for those living with substance use disorders. Research has shown that reducing stigma makes it more likely that affected substance users will enter and maintain treatment.
For more information, contact Pat Kobor.