Besides the massive scale of the Opioid Crisis (estimated at 2.1 million addicts), the problems with total drug use and addiction in the United States is exceptionally severe. Although marijuana has recently become integrated into legal markets over the past few years, keep in mind that a large portion of illegal drugs are still creeping into our country every day. In fact, as you are reading this, someone near you might be suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism. Overall, researchers have estimated that the total cost of drug abuse and addiction in the United States totals $820 billion annually, and that number is still growing. Besides a danger to life itself, these drugs also have a profound impact on health care, housing, and (obviously) crime. So, what is the total cost of drug abuse and addiction in more detail? Let’s take a closer look and find out more.
Show Me the Money
Overall, the total cost of tobacco consumption in the United States is a staggering $300 billion. This also includes:
- $170 billion: direct medical costs (adults)
- $156 billion: lost productivity (due to exposure to secondhand smoke and death)
Coming second place is alcohol consumption, which constitutes $249 billion. Furthermore, $191 billion of this total is completely connected to binge drinking, which includes:
- 77%: bad/lost work productivity
- 11%: medical payments
- 10%: legal expenses
- 5%: alcohol-related accidents
Additional numbers for types of abuse include:
- $193 billion: illegal drugs
- $78.5 billion: prescription drugs
Psychological and Emotional Scars on Society
Besides the financial burden of these dangerous substances, drugs and alcohol can detrimentally affect private, professional, and social lives due to the onslaught of dangerous diseases and illnesses transmitted by risk-taking and reckless behavior. Some examples of the impact of drugs and alcohol on people include:
- Transmission and spreading of viruses like Hepatitis C and HIV (ultimately leading to AIDS)
- Deaths from drug-related or alcohol-related overdoses
- Effects on unborn babies (neonatal abstinence syndrome)
- Boost in crime, homelessness, domestic abuse, violence, divorce, and unemployment
Always remember that alcohol and drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or addiction troubles today.
