PARTNERSHIP FOR RECOVERY

KEY STATISTICS

THE COST OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE IN AMERICA

Each year, untreated drug and alcohol problems cost $700 for each American, in health care, criminal justice, social, and lost productivity in the workplace. (Institute for Health Policy, Brandeis University, 1993)

HEALTH CONSEQUENCES:

There are more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities from substance abuse than from any other preventable health condition. (Institute for Health Policy, Brandeis University, 1993.)

25 to 45 percent of people in general hospital beds are being treated for complications of alcoholism. (Ibid)

Alcoholics are nearly five times more likely than non-alcoholics to die in traffic accidents, 16 times more likely to die in falls, and 10 times more likely to become fire or burn victims. In addition, alcohol is associated with between 47 percent and 65 percent of adult drowning, and up to 40 percent of industrial fatalities. (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 1995)

TO BUSINESS:

Each year, substance abuse cost businesses an estimated $100 billion in increased absenteeism, accidents, medical liability, and health care costs. (Drug Strategies, 1996)

Three out of four adults who use illicit drugs are employed. (National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 1994)

Six out often workers know someone who has gone to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (Hazelden Foundation, 1996)

Thirty-eight to 50 percent of all workers’ compensation claims are related to substance abuse in the workplace. (National Council on Compensation Insurance, 1993)

ON CRIME:

Since 1989, more people have been incarcerated for drug offenses than for all violent crimes. (Drug Strategies, 1996)

For the first time, arrests for drug possession reached one million in 1994 -- a 30 percent increase over the past three years. (Drug Strategies, 1996)

At least 45 percent of those who are arrested and charged with violent crimes or robberies, burglaries and theft tested positive for the use of one or more drugs. (Drug Strategies, 1996)