How much money does the government appropriate to combat the opioid epidemic?

In recent years, Congress passed three laws authorizing the appropriation of $10.6 billion in spending to combat the opioid epidemic. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), the 21st Century Cures Act, and the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act are estimated to increase mandatory opioid response spending by $2.5 billion.

Congress plans to spend these funds from 2017 and 2028. This funding is for programs that reduce the supply of opioids, the demand for them, and the harm they cause. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act represents 85% of this funding, almost $8.99 billion.