Narconon Drug-Free Lives

It’s not just in jail and drug rehabs, reports Bobby Wiggins, director of Narconon ® International Drug Education Office. "The effects of substance abuse andaddiction show up in places you might not expect them," said Wiggins. "In hospitals to schools, in businesses across the country, addiction reveals its destructive effects." Narconon is an international organization dedicated to eliminating addiction through drug-free drug rehabilitation services and drug education.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that more than half the tax of substance abuse is carried by the non-abusing population through their support of government control efforts, education, insurance, judicial, healthcare and social systems. Each year, the total price tag approaches the staggering figure of $534 billion in the U.S. alone.

Employers shoulder much of the financial burden of substance abuse and addiction. Most addicts are gainfully employed for years of their addiction, at least until their ability to function is openly hampered by drugs or alcohol. Never the less those employees ordinarily generate more Workers’ Compensation claims and are involved in more workplace accidents that endanger co-workers. And addiction routinely reduces productivity among the addicted, meaning that co-workers also have to make up for their shortages.

U.S. healthcare costs related to alcohol abuse reach nearly $19 billion and drug-related expenses add another $10 billion more from treating cirrhosis, HIV infection, trauma and other substance abuse issues. Less than a third of this amount is dedicated to treatment.

On average, substances abusers tend to die younger than non-abusers, meaning that more families will lack financial support or other services such as child care. This shortfall places further strain on social services.

Nearly $25 billion in costs result from U.S. alcohol-related vehicle crashes. More than $13 billion of these costs are covered by auto or property insurance, increasing the rates for non-abusers.

"The tragedy is that all these damages and costs are avoidable," stated Wiggins. "By educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse, they can and will learn how to make better, drug-free choices. And by providing effective substance abuse recovery services at our centers around the world, we save lives and save families from suffering these emotional and financial costs."

At Narconon centers in more than 100 locations, graduates learn how to live drug-free lives by participating in the long-term, holistic drug recovery program. After completion of this program, seven out of ten Narconon graduates stay clean and sober after they get home.

For more information on the Narconon drug rehabilitation program, visit www.narconon.org