Substance Abuse Prevention Dollars and Cents: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Policymakers and other stakeholders can use cost-benefit analysis as an informative tool for decision making for substance abuse prevention. This report reveals the importance of supporting effective prevention programs as part of a comprehensive substance abuse prevention strategy. The following patterns of use, their attendant costs, and the potential cost savings are analyzed:
 Extent of substance abuse among youth;
 Costs of substance abuse to the Nation and to States;
 Cost savings that could be gained if effective prevention policies, programs, and services were implemented nationwide;
 Programs and policies that are most cost beneficial.
1.1. Costs of Substance Abuse
Studies have shown the annual cost of substance abuse to the Nation to be $510.8 billion in 1999 (Harwood, 2000). More specifically,
 Alcohol abuse cost the Nation $191.6 billion;
 Tobacco use cost the Nation $167.8 billion;
 Drug abuse cost the Nation $151.4 billion.

To view the entire report visit:
http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/SMA07-4298.pdf