input: [Action Item Number] 3.1.B [Action Item Name] Increase Addiction Treatment Services Within the Indian Health Service [Lead Agency] HHS [Component(s)] IHS [Action Item Description] 
output: Although IHS serves a much smaller population than CHCs, the need for addiction treatment is so great among American Indians and Alaska Natives that it requires an organized, aggressive response. Read more Substance use disorders are among the most serious health problems faced by American Indians and Alaska Natives. Moreover, these disorders have destructive effects on a patient’s family, employment, and community life. IHS provides valuable infrastructure in which to embed expanded addiction treatment services. IHS will therefore upgrade its ability to respond to substance abuse by continuing efforts to expand screening and brief intervention. IHS will also add behavioral health counselors and addiction specialists in IHS-funded facilities through a targeted initiative. Coupled with the initiatives to expand screening and brief intervention described in chapter 2, this initiative will greatly enhance the ability of IHS to provide high-quality services for a pressing medical need.