The abuse of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs is costly, amounting in more than $600 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and healthcare in the United States. Addiction affects more than just the user; everyone pays a bit of the price in one way or another.
- The median age of first time users is getting younger and younger – 15 percent for 12th graders and 12 percent for our 8th graders.
- More than 21 million Americans suffer from addiction or dependence on alcohol and drugs and have yet to experience recovery.
- Addiction is estimated to cost Americans more than $400 billion each year.
- Approximately 80 percent of all prison inmates abused drugs.
- Recent studies have found that the availability of Heroin is increasing in every community, particularly in the Central Ohio region. It is becoming cheaper and easier to obtain then alcohol.
- 1 in 5 high school seniors admit to using marijuana at least monthly.
How to Help