The Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act expands federal disaster relief programs to include treatment and counseling for substance use and alcohol use disorders alongside existing mental health services. Currently, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act only covers mental health crisis counseling after major disasters, but this bill would allow the federal government to provide addiction treatment services when disasters cause or worsen substance use problems. The bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency, working with mental health and substance abuse experts, to update its application forms and guidance documents within 180 days to reflect these new services. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must review and report to Congress on how long assistance is provided under the program and whether FEMA properly ensures funds are used only for conditions caused or worsened by the disaster itself. The legislation has no specific funding amount listed but would expand existing disaster relief authority to address addiction issues that often emerge or intensify following major disasters.
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