INTRO:
Drug abuse and addiction comes with a hefty price tag in the U.S. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the cost of drug abuse and addiction to the United States is staggering – and the effects are far-reaching. This article takes a closer look at the financial drain that substance misuse takes on our nation.
Tallying Up the Costs of Drug Abuse
The financial burden of drug abuse and addiction is staggering. According to estimates, each year, drug abuse and addiction costs the United States approximately $740 billion. This includes costs related to healthcare, lost productivity, and crime.
Healthcare costs make up a significant chunk of that number. The expense associated with healthcare for those with substance use disorders is estimated to be around $193 billion, while costs related to the treatment of substance use disorders account for an additional $20 billion.
The cost of lost productivity is also significant. Each year, drug abuse and addiction cost the U.S. economy an estimated $180 billion in lost productivity due to early death and disability. Employers experience a significant impact as well – an estimated $81 billion in lost productivity due to absenteeism and $84 billion due to reduced work performance.
Shining a Light on Substance Misuse’s Financial Impact
The true cost of drug abuse and addiction is far greater than the financial toll it takes. The financial burden of drug abuse and addiction has a ripple effect, impacting numerous other aspects of life in the United States.
For example, the cost of drug abuse and addiction is far-reaching in terms of crime. Drugs are linked to crime in many ways, from drug possession and drug trafficking to domestic violence and sexual assault. The annual cost of drug-related crime is an estimated $193 billion.
Drug abuse and addiction also has a tremendous impact on individuals, families, and communities. Many individuals with substance use disorders lose their jobs, their homes, and even their families. These losses result in an additional $93 billion in financial burden due to mental health services, foster care, and criminal justice services.
OUTRO:
Drug abuse and addiction has a huge financial impact on the United States. It is estimated to cost the country $740 billion per year in healthcare, lost productivity, and crime. These costs are far greater than just the financial burden. Drug abuse and addiction have a profound ripple effect, impacting individuals, families, and communities in ways that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. It is essential to take action to address the problem of substance misuse in order to reduce the financial and social costs of drug abuse.