How investments in prevention are cost-effective
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2024 10:06 am
If evidence-based prevention programs are implemented in schools, private homes, public health agencies, and community centers, people can easily learn about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. If people are aware of these problems, they are more likely to choose to avoid using drugs in the first place.
Studies show that for every $1 spent on preventing and treating substance abuse, governments spend an additional $60 on the aftermath of substance abuse and illness. This doesn’t even take into account the amount of us contact number list money spent by families because a loved one has a substance abuse disorder, overdoses, or dies. Not only do these families suffer financial losses, but they could have been avoided with proper education.
We all know that public entities have limited resources, so not all worthy programs receive adequate funding. If community leaders and policymakers can work together to understand the importance of substance use prevention programs and their overall benefits, a shift toward healthier policies can occur.
Importance of Screening for Drug Use Risk
It is also important to understand that implementing primary prevention measures that screen for substance use and allow for intervention before serious health problems and high-risk behaviors develop is generally not cost-prohibitive. Screening for substance use risks before they occur can save money in the long run by preventing risks whenever possible. That is why it is wise to implement preventive screenings and treatment referrals so that families can address potential issues ahead of time.
Studies show that for every $1 spent on preventing and treating substance abuse, governments spend an additional $60 on the aftermath of substance abuse and illness. This doesn’t even take into account the amount of us contact number list money spent by families because a loved one has a substance abuse disorder, overdoses, or dies. Not only do these families suffer financial losses, but they could have been avoided with proper education.
We all know that public entities have limited resources, so not all worthy programs receive adequate funding. If community leaders and policymakers can work together to understand the importance of substance use prevention programs and their overall benefits, a shift toward healthier policies can occur.
Importance of Screening for Drug Use Risk
It is also important to understand that implementing primary prevention measures that screen for substance use and allow for intervention before serious health problems and high-risk behaviors develop is generally not cost-prohibitive. Screening for substance use risks before they occur can save money in the long run by preventing risks whenever possible. That is why it is wise to implement preventive screenings and treatment referrals so that families can address potential issues ahead of time.