Poll: Open Society Institute/Lake Research Partners

This study, sponsored by the Open Society Institute, examines attitudes toward the accessibility and affordability of alcohol and drug addiction treatment for the many Americans who need these services, including veterans. The poll shows that Americans of all walks of life are personally touched by addiction, and half of them say they could not afford treatment if they or a family member needed it.

Key findings include:

• Three-quarters of Americans (76%) know someone personally who has been addicted to alcohol or drugs. Personal experience with addiction spans all demographic groups.
• Half of Americans (49%) do not think they would be able to afford the costs of treatment if they or a family member needed it. This concern about affordability is highest among Americans with incomes under $50,000 (67% say they would not be able to afford treatment).
• Three-quarters (75%) of Americans are concerned that people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs may not be able to get treatment because they lack insurance coverage or cannot afford it.
• Nearly three-quarters (73%) support including alcohol and drug addiction treatment as part of national health care reform to make it more accessible and affordable. This support cuts across all demographic groups.

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