Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Launches the Great American Recovery Initiative to Address the Addiction Crisis

President Donald J. Trump has launched the White House Great American Recovery Initiative through a new Executive Order, establishing a coordinated national response to the addiction crisis. The initiative aims to integrate efforts across the federal government, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, and the private sector to combat substance use disorders and promote long-term recovery.

• • Leadership: The initiative is co-chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery, supported by an executive director and various cabinet members.

  • Core Mandates:

    • • Coordination: Better align federal programs and provide the public with data-driven updates on progress.

      • Comprehensive Care: Advise agencies on integrating the full spectrum of care: prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery support, and re-entry.

      • Awareness: Foster a national culture that celebrates recovery and reduces the stigma of addiction.

      • Collaboration: Consult with state, tribal, and local governments, as well as philanthropic and faith-based entities, to optimize treatment strategies.

The administration justifies the initiative by highlighting the severe impact of addiction in the U.S.:

• • Demographics: Approximately 48.4 million Americans (16.8% of the population) suffer from addiction.

  • The Treatment Gap: A staggering 95.6% of adults with untreated substance use disorders in 2024 reported that they did not perceive a need for treatment.

  • Economic Impact: The crisis costs the U.S. hundreds of billions annually through lost productivity, declining workforce participation, and increased healthcare and law enforcement costs.

The initiative builds on several key actions taken during President Trump's first and second terms:

• • Second-Term Actions: The signing of the SUPPORT Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 and the HALT Fentanyl Act, alongside aggressive border enforcement to stop the flow of illicit narcotics.

  • First-Term Foundations: The 2017 declaration of the opioid crisis as a public health emergency, the launch of FindTreatment.gov, and the expansion of access to Naloxone and medication-assisted treatment.

Conclusion:
By treating addiction as a chronic, manageable disease similar to other medical conditions, the Trump Administration seeks to shift the federal response toward a model based on "scientific advancement and community connection." The Great American Recovery Initiative represents the administration's primary vehicle for restoring families and strengthening national resilience in the face of the addiction epidemic.

The Great American Recovery InitiativeThe Scale of the CrisisLegislative and Policy Context