Over 851000 Ohioans suffer from substance dependence or abuse; however, only 11% of those needing treatment for alcohol and drug problems presently receive it. Of the over 2.8 million children in Ohio, it is estimated that over 700000 Ohio children are affected in some way by substance abuse. Approximately 79000 Ohio youths either abuse or are dependent on illicit drugs. About half of all workers compensations claims in Ohio are related to alcohol or drug abuse in the workplace. On average, an employee with an unaddressed substance use disorder can cost an employer $7000 per year in lost productivity and health care costs. About 80% of Ohio inmates have a substance disorder. Alcohol and drugs affect all Ohioans in some way. For every dollar spent on substance abuse, only four cents goes to prevention and treatment with the remainder going towards the burden of substance abuse on public programs, such as law enforcement. And yet, alcohol and drug addiction treatment is effective as demonstrated in over 600 published scientific papers. Of those ages 18 or older who feel they need treatment but have not received it, one third say they have not received treatment because they lack health insurance and are unable to pay. At a modest return of $7 saved for ever $1 spent on treatment, Ohios prevention benefit could exceed $202 million every year. The Ohio Alliance of Recovery Providers strongly believes that advocating for access to treatment for substance use disorders is a top …
Recent Comments