What Is the Daily Cost For A Drug Addiction?

The daily cost of drug addiction imposes significant financial burdens on individuals, healthcare systems, and society at large. Understanding the daily costs associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) is crucial for grasping the economic impact of addiction and the potential benefits of treatment and prevention strategies.

The User’s Cost Of A Drug Addiction

The daily financial impact of drug addiction on an individual varies based on factors such as the type of substance used, frequency of use, geographic location, and the individual’s tolerance level. Below is an overview of commonly abused substances and their associated costs:

1. Opioids (e.g., Heroin)

• Street Price: Users may spend between $150 to $200 per day¹.
• Treatment Costs:
  • Methadone maintenance therapy: $18 per day².
  • Behavioral therapy: $100–$200 per session, with multiple sessions recommended².

2. Cocaine

• Street Price: Cocaine users might spend around $100 to $150 daily³.
• Treatment Costs:
  • Behavioral therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management): $100–$200 per session³.
  • Residential rehab: $500–$800 per day, with 30-day programs costing upwards of $15,000–$24,000³.

3. Methamphetamine

• Street Price: Daily expenses for methamphetamine users can range from $50 to $200⁴.
• Treatment Costs:
  • Behavioral therapy (e.g., Matrix Model): $100–$200 per session⁴.
  • Residential treatment: $500–$800 per day, with long-term programs averaging $10,000–$30,000⁴.

4. Prescription Opioids

• Street Price: Misused prescription opioids can cost users between $50 to $100 daily².
• Treatment Costs:
  • Buprenorphine treatment: $16 per day².
  • Behavioral therapy: $100–$200 per session².

5. Amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin)

• Street Price: The cost of illicit amphetamine use varies, but individuals abusing prescription stimulants like Adderall may spend $30 to $100 per day⁵.
• Treatment Costs:
  • Behavioral therapy (e.g., contingency management): $100–$200 per session⁵.
  • Outpatient treatment: $135 per week, or about $19 per day⁵.

6. Marijuana

• Street Price: Marijuana prices fluctuate significantly depending on location, but frequent users may spend $20 to $50 per day⁶.
• Treatment Costs:
  • Behavioral therapy (e.g., motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy): $100–$200 per session⁶.

For someone that is an everyday user, the annual cost of drug addiction can exceed $70,000 or more. This exceeds the salary of many users, which is why its no surprise that drug addiction is one of the leading causes of homelessness. A drug addiction can easily wipe out a household budget in a short time.

Healthcare System Costs For A Drug Addiction

Drug addiction significantly strains healthcare resources. A study analyzing hospital data estimated that the annual medical cost associated with substance use disorders in U.S. emergency departments and inpatient settings exceeded $13 billion in 2017⁷. This translates to substantial daily costs when considering the continuous need for medical interventions related to addiction.

Moreover, the economic burden extends beyond immediate medical expenses. Substance abuse often leads to chronic health conditions, requiring long-term care and further escalating costs⁷.

Societal Costs Of A Drug Addiction

Beyond individual and healthcare expenses, drug addiction imposes broader societal costs, including:

• Lost Productivity: Substance abuse can lead to decreased work performance, increased absenteeism, and unemployment⁸.
• Criminal Justice Costs: A significant portion of law enforcement and judicial resources is allocated to addressing drug-related offenses⁸.
• Social Welfare: Families and communities often bear the emotional and financial burdens of supporting individuals with addiction⁸.

In 2017, the overall cost of drug abuse in the U.S., considering healthcare, crime, and lost productivity, was nearly $272 billion⁸. This staggering figure underscores the pervasive impact of substance use disorders on society.

Cost of Drug Treatment vs. Cost of Drug Addiction

Investing in treatment for substance use disorders can lead to significant economic benefits. For instance, methadone maintenance therapy costs approximately $6,552 per year per patient². In contrast, the societal costs associated with untreated opioid addiction—including healthcare, legal, and lost productivity expenses—far exceed this amount².

Effective treatment not only reduces individual drug consumption but also diminishes associated healthcare utilization and criminal activity, leading to overall cost savings for society².

Conclusion

The daily cost of drug addiction encompasses direct expenses borne by individuals, substantial healthcare system burdens, and extensive societal impacts. Addressing substance use disorders through accessible and effective treatment options is not only a compassionate approach but also an economically sound strategy. By investing in prevention and treatment, society can mitigate the profound financial and social consequences of drug addiction.

References

1. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS). (2023). Substance Abuse and Addiction Statistics.Retrieved from: https://drugabusestatistics.org/
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2018). How much does opioid treatment cost? Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/how-much-does-opioid-treatment-cost
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2022). Drug Use and Its Consequences. Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/drug-use-and-its-consequences
4. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (2023). Methamphetamine Trends in the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/methamphetamine
5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). Stimulant Misuse and Addiction. Retrieved from: https://www.samhsa.gov/stimulants
6. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2021). Marijuana Use and Addiction. Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana
7. Florence, C., Luo, F., & Rice, K. (2021). The Economic Burden of Opioid Use Disorder and Fatal Opioid Overdose in the United States, 2017. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 218, 108350. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7936257/
8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). The Economic Impact of Substance Use Disorders. Retrieved from: https://www.samhsa.gov/data