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About The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

 If you’re preparing to enter substance misuse treatment or are interested in learning more about recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, you’ll likely find information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to be useful. One of the premier government agencies tackling the growing nationwide addiction problem, SAMHSA provides a variety of information and services to those interested. Understanding what SAMHSA is and how its services can help you access addiction treatment can be valuable while searching for a treatment facility.  

What Is SAMHSA?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a U.S. government agency that works to provide resources, support, and education to people who are living with mental health disorders and a substance use disorder. The organization leads nationwide public health efforts to improve the behavioral health of citizens across the country. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1992, SAMHSA works to help people who are affected by mental health conditions (including addiction) get the care and resources they need to live full, healthy, happy lives.1  

What Does SAMHSA Do?

The SAMHSA mission states: “SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.”2 

SAMHSA works to support Americans living with substance use disorder in many ways, including:1 

  • Providing educational materials on drug and alcohol misuse prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. 
  • Collecting and analyzing behavioral health data to inform treatment protocols and best practices. 
  • Raising awareness of resources through public education. 
  • Collaborating with other federal agencies to improve policies around substance misuse. 
  • Providing grant funding to states, territories, tribal communities, and local communities. 
  • Supporting grant recipients and care providers with training and other types of support. 

Who Is in Charge of SAMHSA?

The United States federal government runs the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. The executive leadership team of SAMHSA is made up of a various professionals, including the organization’s assistant secretary, deputies, directors, and regional directors. The government-funded institution works to ensure that its leadership team includes professionals with a variety of experience and research in many facets of the behavioral health field, including mental health, substance use services, law, policy and research, social work, state and federal government, and more.3 

How Is SAMHSA Funded?

SAMHSA is funded by the federal government’s annual appropriations process through the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The administration also receives funding through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the president’s fiscal year budget.4 

SAMHSA Grants

SAMHSA may offer grants to people who are interested in recovery but are struggling to afford care. Grants can be used toward inpatient or outpatient treatment programs and may offer specialized support for certain groups, such as those who have serious mental health conditions, college students, and those who want to access addiction treatment through their primary care provider.5 

Start the Recovery Journey

If you or a loved one are living with addiction, you’re not alone. Recovery is possible. The first step toward getting well is learning more about your treatment options. Exploring the rehabs.com treatment directly can help you connect with drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities that can help you begin the road to sobriety. 

At American Addiction Centers, our team is here to help you find the right recovery program for you. Reach out to us today at to speak with one of our admissions specialists who can verify your insurance and talk to you about how to get started with the recovery process. 

 

 

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