Federal government to combat opioid drug epidemic across nation

Opioid use and addictions are on the rise across the nation, and the federal government is making efforts to combat this epidemic. 

In a 2014 report, the CDC stated that 78 people a day across the country die from prescription or heroin drug overdose. 

Michael Botticelli, the Director of the National Drug Control Policy says that there are not enough people who are receiving the help they need to fight addictions.  

He says that "only 12% of people who need treatment are actually getting it, and this needs to change desperately."

Botticelli also says that this is not just an issue for the executive branch, but it is rather a united effort to prevent and treat drug addictions. 

The government is calling on Congress to expand the budget and federal funds to include more research and treatment options for drug users.