Substance Abuse and Crime
Many of the crimes committed on our streets today have their roots in alcohol and drug addictions. Yet, too often we simply lock the offenders away in jail and do not try to treat the problems that led them there.Substance Abuse Strains The Healthcare System
Substance abuse strains the nation's healthcare system, adding billions to the cost of treating a host of illnesses related to drinking, smoking and illicit drug use. When used for long periods of time, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs can impair most major organ systems. In any given year, a smoker uses more medical care than a person who has never smoked; when a heavy smoker enters the hospital, they stay 25 percent longer than do non-smokers. |
