Recognizing the Correlation Between Drug Abuse And Healthcare Costs
Addiction of any kind can be costly for everyone involved: the person with the addiction, their family, friends, and the entire community. The NIDA estimates that substance abuse cost the United States upwards of $700 billion every year, with around $200 billion going towards healthcare alone. It is safe to say that drug abuse definitely does have an effect on the healthcare system.
The Cost of Prevention
A large portion of the healthcare system is dedicated to preventing drug and alcohol abuse and educating people on their dangers. This is done through outreach programs at hospitals and schools, training for medical professionals, and research on the causes of addiction.
The intent with spending money to prevent addiction is that it will cost less in the long run. If effective prevention means that fewer people are using drugs, then there is less money being spent on treatment and recovery.
Unfortunately, thatās not how things work, and more money in the healthcare system is being dedicated towards prevention every year.
The Cost of Treatment
Many insurance plans will cover or contribute to the cost of drug abuse treatment.
The treatment process for drug abuse can be a long one, with multiple factors affecting the outcome. It largely depends on the type of drug, the person themselves, how long theyāve been addicted, and the amount of damage the drug has done.
The NIDA suggests that treatment can help reduce health and social costs associated with drug addiction, often at amounts far more than the treatmentās cost. Things like incarceration, which costs roughly $24,000 per person per year, are noticeably costly when compared to treatment options like methadone maintenance, which costs about $4,700 per year per patient.
Treatment costs can often be covered through insurance, but it depends on the company, the plan the person has, and the treatment facility. Of course, the length of the treatment and the amount of care that is required for the person to reach recovery can also bring the cost up.
On average, the treatment costs for drug and substance abuse can be the cheapest part of the addiction, and there are many ways to help alleviate fees. Research groups and non-profits, when they are an option, tend to take a large portion of the burden of treatment costs from the patient and the healthcare system.
Federal Costs
The Drug Enforcement Administration is the federal group that monitors the legal aspects of drug abuse. They are one of many organizations dedicated to combating drug and substance abuse. The concept of a āwar on drugsā can affect healthcare costs simply by giving the medical community an idea of the reach drugs currently have.
Many federal groups do research on addiction, how it develops, the damage it does, and how to treat it. As a result, new information is made available and the healthcare system adapts in order to be as prepared as possible. As research and the information that comes from it costs money, the total price of drug abuse for the healthcare system is constantly fluctuating.
If you or a loved one has an addiction, please know that help is available. Contact us through our website or call us at 888-646-0635Who Answers? for more information and the chance to talk with one of our caring specialists.
Addiction affects different people in different ways, though certain signs of addiction should not be taken lightly. Long-time addicts well know how hard it can be to manage or control drug-using behaviors, with many opting to just give in to addiction’s hold. Likewise, people who’ve gone in and out of drug treatment on multiple occasions….
Celebrating the holidays while in rehab is a depressing prospect for some. It is important to remember that the holidays are an excellent time to become sober for both your friends and family. According the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stress can cause relapse, being alone during the holidays is a source of stress for….
Even though most people seeking drug and alcohol treatment are lucky to get 28 days, thatās not the ideal length of stay regardless of the severity of your addiction or your drug of choice. Short-term rehab is more often than not, completely insufficient for true drug and alcohol recovery. Because of the intensity of drug….
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, inpatient rehab facilities are one of the best ways to beat an addiction. When you enter drug treatment, it is important to understand that they have strict rules as to what you can and cannot bring. Although different rehabs allow different items, there are some basics you….
When it comes to methamphetamine addiction recovery, there are many challenges a person will face along the way. While it may be difficult to overcome this type of addiction, it is something that many people successfully accomplish every year. Some people are able to quit cold turkey, overcoming their meth addiction without any outside help…..
Alcohol rehab insurance is when a personās health insurance covers some of or all of the expenses of alcohol rehab. A person may need help overcoming their alcohol addiction, and since alcohol detox can be dangerous, a person may need medical resources to help them detox. Many health insurance companies will help cover the cost….
The process of recovery for an addict can be a very complicated process. Thankfully, the use cognitive behavioral therapy has begun to rise and with it, an increase in long-term sobriety. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help with addiction recovery through many ways. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT) is a form….
The biggest thing that Seasons Recovery Center stresses to its patients is that reaching rock bottom is not necessary in order for an individual to seek help for their addiction. Alcohol addiction, even in the early stages, can be treated and it should be treated prior to more serious problems and potential consequences developing. Outpatient….
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, treatment needs to be personalized in order for it to work. Each drug acts differently and each person with an addiction is an individual. With hundreds of drug addictions and dual diagnosis combinations it is important to find the treatment center that works with your individual addiction…..
You may spend time making excuses for your drinking. Yes, you get strong cravings to drink, but that is just your stress talking. Everyone needs a glass of wine or a glass of scotch to take the edge off, right? Yes, every once in a while when you drink, you just canāt stop, but thatās….
Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser that includes Right Path Rehab.
By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.
