Converging advances in science, policy and public awareness: A time of great opportunity and change in addiction treatment

Scientific advances, increased public awareness about addiction as a disease, and significant changes in public policy have led to transformational changes in this field. Preclinical and clinical studies highlighted in this issue have supported the emerging concept of substance use disorders as a novel major concern within the healthcare community. In this Commentary, we discuss the potential impact of recent legislation (Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act) when fully implemented to end the real and perceived segregation of addiction and substance abuse disorders from mainstream healthcare and insurance reimbursement. These legislative changes, along with the diligence of public interest and scientific advances, have the potential to move prevention and treatment of substance use disorders to mainstream healthcare, and to educate professionals appropriately on the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.