Dispelling the Myths About Addiction Strategies to Increase Understanding and Strengthen Research (1997) / Chapter Skim
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2 Prevalence, Costs, and Investments
2 Prevalence, Costs, and Investments
Pages 19-36
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From page 19... ...
Illicit drugs, such as opioids and stimulants, alcohol, and nicotine are responsible for debilitating illnesses and diseases, premature deaths, and the overburdening of the medical, social services, and criminal justice systems. This chapter provides a brief overview of the prevalence and measurable economic consequences of addictive drugs and the investments currently being made in research, prevention, treatment, and law enforcement.
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National Household Survey on Drug Abuse estimated that 12.8 million Americans used at least one illicit drug during the past month, constituting 6.1 percent of the population 12 years old or older a dramatic decrease from 1979 when the number of current illicit drug users was at its highest level of 25 million or 14 percent of the population (SAMHSA, 1996a)
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. Although in selected age groups and with specific kinds of drugs there is an increased variability among different ethnic groups, the statistics rebut the prevailing racial stereotypes that minorities are the most prevalent users of illicit drugs.
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In 1995, 25 percent of the 11 million heavy drinkers were also current illicit drug users compared to only 1.9 percent of nondrinkers who reported having used illicit drugs in the past month (SAMHSA, 1996a) (see Figure 2.24.
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. Current users of tobacco were more likely to be heavy drinkers and use illicit drugs compared to nonsmokers, thus highlighting the role of tobacco products as another gateway substance.
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Smoking began to decline in the mid-1960s, illicit drug use in the late 1970s, and alcohol consumption in the mid-1980s. These declines may be attributed to increased awareness of the health risks of drug, alcohol, and nicotine use; more governmental involvement in prevention, intervention, arid treatment efforts; and the development of a few grassroots efforts and coalitions (e.g., Mowers Against Drunk Driving, Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights)
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In 1990,~ it was estimated that the abuse of illicit drugs, alcohol, and nicotine cost society approximately $257 billion (see Table 2.2~. The economic cost to society was measured in terms of the direct medical care expenditures for treatment of patients suffering from the adverse health effects of use of these drugs, indirect costs associated win loss of earnings due to reduced or lost productivity (morbidity)
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Present value of future earnings lost, illicit drugs and alcohol discounted at 6 percent, nicotine discounted at 4 percent.
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. ~ 6.1% 74.0% ~ _ 19.9% Direct Costs $52.8 Billion 55.1% ~ U Mortality Costs $82.6 Billion ED Illicit Drugs 71 .5% 4.1% 74.5% 40.7% ~ Alcohol ~-, , an-` it- .
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From page 28... ...
is described in Box 2.1. Comparison of Drug Addiction Costs with Costs of Other Diseases The total cost to society of alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drug abuse totaled $257 billion in 1990, which was higher than the costs of other highly prevalent and costly diseases, such as mental disorders, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and AIDS (see Table 2.3~.
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n/a= not available. aOther related costs include crime, victims of crime, incarceration, motor vehicle crashes, fire destruction, and social welfare administration.
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SAMHSA and its centers provide funding for demonstration projects to prevent and treat drug abuse, but these projects have not been rigorously evaluated. In FY 1995, CSAP provided $16 million for training in substance abuse prevention and CSAT provided $6 million for training in addiction treatment.
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. TABLE 2.5 NIAAA Funding History (1988-1997~: Research Training Grants, Research Grants, and Total Budget (thousands of dollars)
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Of particular concern is the growing use of illicit drugs, alcohol, and nicotine by young people. As a result of this growing public health problem, the measurable economic costs of drug addiction clearly are enormous, totaling $257 billion in 1990.
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1977. The Economic Costs of Alcohol Abuse.
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1996. Overview of alcohol abuse epidemiology for American Indian populations.
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l991b. Estimates of the economic costs of alcohol and drug abuse and mental illness, 1985 and 1988.
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