People suffering from addiction do not seem to realize how much expensive addiction can be on the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 64,000 died from drug overdoses in 2016 and 2.4 million have opioid use disorder from OxyContin, Vicodin, heroin, and Fentanyl. The cost of treatment, lost productivity, and judicial procedures are costing the country $500 billion a year so it is important to get help as soon as possible.
Unemployment
Low workforce participation is one way addiction is affecting the economy. Businesses have to suffer decreased productivity because they are too under the influence to perform at their best. There is also increased sick time for having trouble being sober before your shift. Low productivity and increased sick time can lead to getting fire frequently. Twenty percent of people, particularly men, between the ages of 25-54 have not gone to work and two thirds not working take prescription pills on a daily basis. It can be hard for them to find work again as they do not succeed in completing drug screenings.
Treatment
According to the Trump Administration, treatment costs $30,000 per patient. The average cost of treatment has increased from $58,500 to $92,400 according to a Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center study because of worsening conditions and longer hospital stays. In 2017, there were 45,000 ER visits for patients.
Legal problems
Criminal justice related crimes costs $7.7 billion which pushes addicts into incarceration. The costs are by the state and local governments which are not being spent on roads, schools, and parks. Whether it is stealing for drugs or a drunk driving accident, drug-related offenses take a financial toll.
How to get help
The Affordable Care Act makes it possible for health insurers to cover addiction treatment with the extension of Medicaid. Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone are good medications to limit the cravings of drug addiction. You can learn more about drug addiction at Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. You can call their 24 hour hotline at 1-800-662-HELP. There is also more information at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence with a 24 hour hotline at 1-800-622-2255 or visit them at ncadd.org. By getting help now, you will save yourself and your family from having to financially suffer because of addiction and you will learn to have more control over it.
Located in downtown Midland, The Springboard Center’s mission is to offer programs and services to treat alcohol and drug addiction treatment using an evidence based curriculum, 12 step programs, diet, nutrition, exercise, emotional, mental and spiritual development for a long recovery. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
