Five years after the landmark opioid settlements, a tracking analysis reveals that less than 40% of the $50 billion has been directed to addiction treatment and recovery services as intended.
Where the Money Went
- Addiction treatment: 38%
- Law enforcement: 22%
- General government budgets: 18%
- Prevention and education: 12%
- Administrative costs: 10%
Critics compare this to the 1990s tobacco settlement where most money went to general funds rather than smoking cessation. Advocacy groups are pushing for stricter oversight and transparency requirements.
