AMA statement on Rx and Illicit Drug Summit

Statement attributable to:
Bobby Mukkamala, MD
President, American Medical Association

"As leaders from across medicine, pharmacy, and public health convene today at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit, our message is clear: collaboration across care teams is essential to addressing the nation's evolving substance use and overdose epidemic.

While recent declines in opioid-related overdose deaths represent meaningful progress, this epidemic tragically continues to affect millions of families. Accelerating progress requires continued investment in physician-led, team-based, community-centered care. Physicians, pharmacists, public health leaders, and policymakers must work together to ensure patients with opioid use disorder and pain can access timely care and stay on a path to recovery.

The American Medical Association is committed to expanding access to proven treatments for opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine and methadone, which remain underused due to stigma, regulatory barriers, and insurance restrictions. We also continue to advocate for greater access to affordable, over-the-counter naloxone and its widespread availability in emergency departments and communities."

Editor's note: In January, the AMA published its 2025 Report on Substance Use and Treatment.