The American Academy of Nursing believes necessary measures must be taken to address the negative consequences of substance use on the health, economy, productivity, and social aspects of individuals and communities. The burden of disease attributable to alcohol and drug use varies substantially across geographic locations, yet much of the burden is due to the effects of substance use on other health outcomes. Despite the existence of evidence-based strategies, including screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT), and knowledge of the impact of substances on the brain and body systems, further education is needed to identify persons who are at risk because of substance use and provide interventions to prevent and reduce substance use disease burden.