Costs of Substance Abuse – USA
Abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs is costly to our Nation, exacting more than $740 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.**
| Health Care | Overall | Year Estimate Based On | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tobacco1,2 | $168 billion | $300 billion | 2010 |
| Alcohol3 | $27 billion | $249 billion | 2010 |
| Illicit Drugs4,5 | $11 billion | $193 billion | 2007 |
| Prescription Opioids6 |
$26 billion | $78.5 billion | 2013 |
For full report https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics
Let’s do the ‘MATH’! So, based on this current data, the LEGAL drugs combined cost to the American economy is, $627.5 Billion!
The cost to the nation for illicit drug use is $193 Billion.
Clearly legalising and regulating drugs escalates use and misuse, so why would you add another ‘substance’ to that framework and unleash another ‘right to use’ model for the already ‘over drugged’ community?
The ‘Permission’ model and not prohibition drives demand faster and further! Check out https://dalgarnoinstitute.org.au/images/resources/pdf/aod/aod-ploicy-documents/TheMostEffectiveDrugPusherUpdated2014.pdf
“Accessibility, Availability and Acceptability – All increase consumption!” Dalgarno Institute