The Cost of Substance Use

By Kevin McCracken, Co-Founder of Social Imprints

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a major problem in the United States, and it comes with a hefty price tag. From the direct costs of healthcare and treatment to the indirect costs of lost productivity and criminal justice expenses, the cost of SUD is staggering. We’ll take a closer look at the cost of SUD in the United States.

Direct Costs

The direct costs of substance use disorder are the expenses associated with treating and managing SUD. These costs include:

1. Healthcare Costs – SUD can lead to a variety of health problems, such as liver disease, heart disease, and mental health disorders. These health problems require medical attention and treatment, which can be expensive.

2. Treatment Costs – SUD treatment can include inpatient or outpatient rehab, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment. These treatments can be costly, especially for those without insurance.

3. Emergency Services – SUD can lead to overdose or other medical emergencies, which require emergency medical services. These services can be expensive, especially if hospitalization is required.

Indirect Costs

The indirect costs of SUD are the expenses associated with the consequences of SUD. These costs include:

1. Lost Productivity – SUD can lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and job loss. This loss of productivity can have a significant impact on the economy.

2. Criminal Justice Costs – SUD can lead to criminal behavior, such as drug trafficking, theft, and driving under the influence. These criminal activities result in criminal justice expenses, such as court costs, incarceration, and probation.

3. Social Costs – SUD can lead to social problems, such as homelessness, domestic violence, and child neglect. These social problems require social services, such as housing assistance, child protective services, and counseling.

The Cost of SUD in Numbers

The cost of SUD in the United States is difficult to quantify, but estimates suggest that it is in the billions of dollars. Here are some statistics that illustrate the cost of SUD:

• The cost of drug abuse in the United States is estimated to be $740 billion per year.
• The cost of alcohol abuse in the United States is estimated to be $249 billion per year.
• The cost of opioid SUD in the United States is estimated to be $78.5 billion per year.

This does not cover loss of income or the direct cost to communities in loss of taxes and income for local businesses.

Solutions

Substance Use Disorder in the United States is complex and multifaceted, and therefore requires a comprehensive approach to solutions. Here are some potential solutions to address the SUD problem in the US:

1. Prevention: Prevention efforts can include education and outreach programs in schools and communities to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, as well as community-based interventions to address social and economic factors that contribute to SUD.

2. Early Intervention: Early intervention programs can identify and address substance use disorders before they become more severe, such as screening and brief interventions in primary care settings.

3. Access to Treatment: Ensuring that individuals have access to affordable and evidence-based treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment, can increase rates of successful recovery and reduce the cost of SUD.

4. Harm Reduction Strategies: Harm reduction strategies, such as safe injection sites and needle exchange programs, can reduce the spread of diseases and overdose deaths associated with drug use.

5. Support for Recovery: Support for individuals in recovery, including peer support groups and housing assistance, can increase the likelihood of sustained recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

6. Addressing the Root Causes: Addressing the root causes of SUD, such as poverty, trauma, and mental health disorders, can reduce the risk of substance abuse and promote overall health and well-being.

7. Give a person in recovery a chance: Hire someone who is recovering from Substance Use Disorder. You will find the most loyal, hardworking, and dedicated employee by offering an opportunity

Overall, a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, early intervention, access to treatment, harm reduction strategies, support for recovery, and addressing the root causes of SUD can help to address the SUD problem in the United States.