Cost of Delay
Does delaying recovery save money?
Will delay make it go away?
Consequences of Delay
Cost to the Abuser:
- Lost earnings due to impaired functioning
- Lost earning related to incarceration
- Lost friends
- Burden on loved ones
- Embarrassment to loved ones, spouse and children
- Loss of self respect
- Cost of maintaining the expensive addiction
Legal Implications
- Turning to crime to support the addiction.
- Purchasing illegal drugs.
- Divorce
- Lawsuits
- Misuse of prescription drugs
- Buying illicit drugs
| The Burden on Society 1992 | Alcohol | Drugs |
| Abusers and households | $66.8 B | $42.9 B |
| Government | $57.2 B | $45.1 B |
| Private insurance | $15.1 B | $3.1 B |
| Victim losses | $8.9 B | $6.5 B |
| TOTAL | $148.0 | $97.7 |
Source: Analysis by The Lewin Group. USA.gov
Costs due to drug and alcohol related motor vehicle crashes, violent crimes are not included in table above.
