America is no stranger to addiction–be it to drugs, alcohol, or gambling. The numbers surrounding addiction in the United States are staggering, with millions of people suffering from substance abuse, and the cost of addiction treatment reaching upwards of $42 billion annually. Money well spent? Absolutely.
Money Well Spent: US Addiction Treatment Costs
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2018, the United States spent more than $42 billion on addiction treatment. This money is spent on a variety of services, from residential and outpatient treatment to medication-assisted treatment, counseling and support programs, and more. This money is being well spent; in fact, for every dollar spent on treatment, there is a return of $4 in healthcare costs and $7 in criminal justice costs.
This money is also being used to help reduce the stigma associated with addiction and to bring more awareness to the issue. Through education, research, and public health campaigns, more and more Americans are being made aware of the dangers of addiction and of the resources available to help those in need.
Curing America’s Addiction Problem: The Price Tag
The cost of addiction treatment does not come cheap–but the money spent is for a good cause. Addiction is a treatable illness, and with the right help, those suffering from addiction can go on to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
The money spent on addiction treatment is also helping to reduce the rates of addiction in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the numbers of deaths from drug overdoses have decreased in recent years, and the rate of new cases of opioid addiction has fallen by about half since its peak in 2017.
Addiction treatment is an investment in the health and wellbeing of Americans, and with the right support, those suffering from addiction can get the help they need to start a new life.
The cost of addiction treatment in the United States is enormous, but it is money well spent. Addiction is a treatable illness, and with the right help, those suffering from addiction can go on to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. By investing in addiction treatment, the United States is taking a huge step forward in combating addiction and helping those in need.