Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) participated in a panel discussion this week focused on addressing America’s addiction epidemic. The event was hosted by the American Addiction Recovery Association (AARA), founded by Jeff Breedlove and Scott Cochran, and brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss solutions to this growing crisis.
“Everyone has a role to play in ending America’s addiction epidemic,” Senator Britt stated. “I am proud to partner with so many leaders in our state to ensure Alabamians have the resources, programs, and support they need to thrive. In addition to funding research and treatment efforts, I am firmly committed to stopping these drugs from getting into the hands of Americans in the first place—whether it’s preventing social media platforms from advertising these drugs to our kids or stopping drug traffickers from bringing deadly fentanyl through our border. We can and must do more as a nation.”
The panel delved into the widespread impact of the addiction epidemic on American families and explored how various groups—from Congress to local communities—can work together to combat the crisis. Key topics included funding for addiction recovery programs, treatment efforts, and measures to prevent drugs from reaching vulnerable populations.
Panelists included notable figures such as Lisa Bright, founder of the Will Bright Foundation, which helps men struggling with addiction; Scott Cochran, President of AARA and a former coach who has become a recovery advocate; Curt Lindsey, Executive Director of the Alabama Alliance for Recovery and Residences; Frank Long, Executive Director of Development for the Lovelady Center in Birmingham, which aids women in addiction recovery; and Dr. Tess Stefurak, Associate Dean and Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of South Alabama. Jeff Breedlove, CEO of AARA and a person in long-term recovery, moderated the discussion.
Senator Britt has been a key advocate in Washington, sponsoring several pieces of legislation aimed at addressing addiction and its effects. These include the Alternatives to PAIN Act, the Youth Mental Health Research Act, and the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, among others. In addition to legislation, Britt has secured funding for addiction treatment programs, including $2 million for Mobile’s Veterans Recovery Center and over $1.59 billion for State Opioid Response Grants.
A central focus of Senator Britt’s efforts is stopping the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., particularly through the southern border. She has cosponsored multiple bills targeting fentanyl trafficking, including the FEND Off Fentanyl Act and the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act.
As addiction continues to affect communities across the country, Senator Britt remains committed to working on solutions in partnership with both state and national leaders. The panel hosted by the AARA served as an important platform for advancing discussions on how best to tackle this urgent issue.
