Resources

This issue brief provides an update on the polysubstance use epidemic and specific state legislative and regulatory options available for medical society advocacy.

This issue brief explains how to leverage the Mental Health Parity Index in state-level advocacy efforts. 

This American Medical Association (AMA) model bill addresses the fact that cannabis is a potentially dangerous drug and as such is a serious public health concern. AMA policy provides that the sale of cannabis for adult use should not be legalized for use of anyone under the age of 21.

This AMA issue brief provides information on medetomidine, an emerging substance of misuse. The issue brief highlights medetomidine's distinguishing features, identifies relevant CDC resources, and discusses state and federal efforts to regulate.

This resources provides specific policy actions to increase access to treatment for substance use disorders, remove barriers to evidence-based pain care, and enhance state overdose prevention and treatment efforts.

The AMA recommends for physicians to prescribe (and dispense if available) naloxone to anyone at risk of overdose; for public officials to make naloxone available in public places, such as schools and other educational settings, libraries and concert venues; for health insurance companies to ensure naloxone is not subject to co-pays or cost-sharing; and for pharmacies to make naloxone visible in front of the cash register and pharmacy counter.

This AMA resource discusses trends relating to illicitly made fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and other emerging toxic agents including xylazine, intoxicating hemp, kratom, tianeptine and medetomidine. Cannabis use also is a high concern with increasing data and research highlighting public health and patient harms.

View national and state-by-state data from leading health data clearinghouse IQVIA for naloxone dispensed from retail pharmacies.

View national and state-by-state data from leading health data clearinghouse IQVIA for buprenorphine prescribing trends.

View national and state-by-state data from leading health data clearinghouse IQVIA for prescription opioids dispensed from retail pharmacies between 2012–2024. 

The AMA considers unregulated kratom and tianeptine as dangerous substances and represent serious public health concerns. This issue brief provides examples of state legislative language for states to consider as part of their efforts to regulate kratom and tianeptine.

A new issue brief from the American Medical Association providing updates on data, trends and policy directions.

ARC Issue Brief: support medical criteria for medical necessity determinations for mental health and substance use disorders.