WHO PAYS THE COST OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE?

Substance abuse is not costly only to the alcohol or drug abuser, and his or her family. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), over half of the cost of substance abuse is transferred to the non abusing population through its impact on nonusers, government control efforts, insurance, social systems, and tax systems. According to NIDA, the non abusing population covers 56 percent of the total cost of substance abuse in the United States.

EMPLOYERS

Contrary to what many believe, the average substance abuser is gainfully employed, either full or part time. Substance abusers bring their substance abuse related problems into the workplace, causing loss of productivity, job related accidents, increased absenteeism, workers compensation claims, and general irritability and low morale. It is estimated that employers lose billions of dollars annually to substance abuse that cannot be measured mathematically. Often employees who do not abuse drugs must make up for the lack of productivity in those who do.

HEALTHCARE COSTS

Substance Abusers cost an estimated total of $18.8 billion in alcohol related healthcare problems and consequences, according to NIDA, and an estimated $9.9 billion in drug related medical expenses. Ironically, only $5.6 billion of this goes to alcohol treatment, and only $4.4 billion to drug abuse treatment. The large bulk of healthcare related expense goes to alcohol and drug related problems that occur over time because people do not receive treatment for their substance abuse. These health problems include cirrhosis, HIV infection, trauma, and other alcohol and drug related health issues.

PREMATURE DEATH

Many substance abusers die younger due to their substance abuse related medical problems, and leave their families without their financial support. They cost taxpayers years of unrealized potential taxable income, and may leave their families in need of public assistance due to the loss of thier financial contribution to the family system.

HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUMS

Substance abusers suffer from a number of alcohol and drug related medical problems, and drive the cost of health insurance up for all of us. They also increase the cost of public insurance through disability and workers compensation claims directly related to their substance abuse medical issues.

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

$24.7 billion is lost annually due to alcohol related motor vehicle crashes.  According to NIDA, this cost includes $11.1 billion from premature mortality, and $13.6 billion from automobile and other property destruction. 90 percent of the cost is paid by private insurance, and 10 percent by the victims of the impaired drivers. The cost of these accidents more than doubles the cost of treatment for alcohol or drug abuse.

CRIME

The staggering cost of law enforcement needed for apprehending substance abusing criminals is only a minor part of the cost of substance abuse crime to society. People who make money selling drugs do not pay taxes, therefore potential tax revenue is lost to federal, state, and local governments. Drug addicts commit acts of theft, and sometimes violence within their homes, and in public involving strangers. When they are arrested, they require public defenders, court costs, and room and board in correctional facilities if they are convicted. While in correctional facilities they receive health care at the expense of taxpayers.

CONCLUSION

Substance abuse does not improve without treatment, and all other alternatives are more costly than the treatment needed to combat it. Substance Abuse budget cuts are not cost effective, and do not save the public money. Budget cuts to substance abuse services allow substance abuse to continue to cost individuals, families, and the general public more money than is saved through the elimination of the programs needed to fight it.