The United States was one of the principal founding nations of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, which was established to help tackle global health threats. [1] However, in January 2025, it was confirmed that the U.S. would be withdrawing from the WHO, a process that has now been completed. [2] Depending on how things are handled going forward, this may have an impact on SUD treatment in the U.S.
What does it mean for the US to exit the WHO?
There are several implications for the U.S. leaving the WHO. The U.S. was the largest financial contributor to the WHO, giving over $1 billion in 2022-2023. This saved money could now potentially be used to fund domestic issues. [1] It could also allow the U.S. to have more control over health policies without needing to adhere to WHO guidelines. [3]
However, the decision to withdraw from the WHO could impact the United States’ ability to influence health policies globally. [3] It may also reduce international health research opportunities, and could make the U.S. less prepared for global health threats. [3] The WHO also helps to address Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their associated public health issues, with the U.S. now set to miss out on these collaborations. [4]
WHO's role in substance use disorder treatment
The WHO has a constitutional mandate to address issues related to substance use, which is estimated to affect 35 million people globally. [4] The WHO helps to develop strategies to reduce demand for illicit substances and decrease drug-related harm, both to individuals and their communities. [4]
These strategies include promoting evidence-based treatment for substance misuse, particularly in low-income areas. [5] The WHO also promotes harm reduction strategies, such as needle exchanges, which help to reduce the risk of infections, like HIV, from needle-sharing associated with substance use. [5] They are also involved in screening and prevention, and developed the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), helping with early identification of substance use health risks. [6]
More broadly, the WHO is involved in developing policies on substance use and overseeing related global data. [5] As a result, the WHO is widely involved in SUD treatment, which could affect the U.S. after its withdrawal.
Will US addiction treatment be affected?
Although the WHO has influence globally, not just in the U.S. Due to the above roles in SUD therapy globally, addiction treatment in the U.S. could be impacted by its withdrawal from the WHO. Local treatment centers are not anticipated to experience any immediate effects from this, as these generally operate independently from WHO frameworks. Federal agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will continue to fund and regulate these services. However, there potentially could be long-term impacts on U.S. addiction treatment, both directly and indirectly.
Potential long-term ramifications for SUD care
Firstly, the U.S. will no longer have access to WHO guidance on emerging substances and treatment options, which could slow the U.S. implementation of new evidence-based treatments if this information is not incorporated in other ways. There will also be a loss of opportunities for American researchers to contribute to international research coordinated by the WHO. [1] This could reduce the sharing of information and could potentially prevent a coordinated response to SUD care. [1]
Additionally, the WHO has been working hard to tackle the opioid crisis, assisting with regulation, surveillance, and overdose response training. [7] Without ongoing U.S. contribution, there may potentially be reduced coordination in tackling this issue, which could lead to increased substance misuse and associated health impacts.
Financially, although the U.S. will save millions of dollars from WHO contributions, this doesn't guarantee increased domestic funding for addiction services. The allocation of these funds will depend on future policy decisions, and there's no guarantee that SUD treatment will be prioritized. As a result, resources for SUD care could be reduced compared to when the U.S. was part of the WHO.
Expert and public health perspectives
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO was met with criticism from public health experts. [2] There is concern that this decision may affect the ability of the U.S. to respond to health crises, both domestically and globally. [2] The loss of international collaboration on SUD care, especially at a time when substance use remains a significant public health challenge, may also be a concern. In a wider perspective, some experts are concerned that this weakens the WHO and increases the risk of a future public health crisis. [8]
Some experts have advised immediate action and reform to the WHO to limit the damage from the U.S. withdrawal. [1] This could include diversifying the WHO’s financial base to reduce the reliance on major contributors, and establishing alternative policies with the U.S. [1] However, these perspectives are mostly focused on other public health issues, such as future epidemics, rather than specifically on SUD treatments.
For patients and families: Navigating policy change in recovery
For individuals in recovery or seeking treatment, the implications of the WHO withdrawal are likely to be minimal in the short term. Treatment facilities, support groups, and recovery services will continue to operate as before. Evidence-based treatment approaches remain in place and will be available regardless of WHO membership status.
Keep in mind, it’s always worth staying informed about how health policies evolve in response to this change. Those in recovery might consider asking their treatment providers how their treatment might differ with any policy changes. It’s important to ensure that treatment providers stay current with the latest evidence-based practices and stay connected with the broader addiction treatment community.
The withdrawal from the WHO represents a significant shift in U.S. global health policy. However, the full impact on substance use disorder treatment will only become clear over time. While healthcare providers will continue to provide addiction treatment, the challenge will be ensuring that the U.S. maintains access to the best available knowledge and innovations in SUD treatment moving forward.
