Only one in nine people in the United States gets the care and treatment they need for addiction and substance abuse. A former Director of National Drug Control Policy, Michael Botticelli is working to end this epidemic and treat people with addictions with kindness, compassion and fairness. In a personal, thoughtful talk, he encourages the millions of Americans in recovery today to make their voices heard and confront the stigma associated with substance use disorders.

Michael Botticelli: Addiction is a disease. We should treat it like one

Addiction is a disease. We should treat it like one

Facing addiction's stigma is tougher than coming out as gay, highlighting the societal challenge in addressing substance disorders.

Only 1 in 9 Americans receive addiction treatment, underscoring a crisis in care and the need for compassionate, comprehensive policies.

The Affordable Care Act marks a generational leap in addiction treatment, integrating it into primary care for a healthier future.