The Burden of Substance Diversion on Healthcare and Society
The Burden of Substance Diversion on Healthcare and Society
The intentional misuse, abuse, and diversion of illicit and prescription drugs are a growing problem in the United States. Substance abuse, illicit or prescription, presents economical tribulations for families, labor force, society, and healthcare. Substance abuse has invaded all socioeconomic barriers, schools, and work areas. The consequences of substance abuse are substantial with regard to public health and healthcare itself.
The economic burden substance abuse has on healthcare attacks from multiple routes: the strain on the emergency room by drug-seeking patients, as well as treatment necessary in overdose scenarios. Increased health issues resulting from infectious disorders such as hepatitis and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), cardiovascular and lung effects, kidney and liver damage, neurological and psychological issues all result in a greater demand on healthcare. With roughly 20% of the population stating misuse of prescription opioids, and an estimated 6%-15% abusing or misusing substances in the United States, there is no wonder there is an almost half a trillion dollar annual burden associated. This is inclusive of economic, social, and medical, as well as the criminal repercussions associated (Ruetsch, 2010; 16(1-b)).
A 2010 survey performed by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health’s (NSDUH) found more than 2.2 days of work monthly missed by opioid abusers, in sharp contrast to the 0.83 days by the median worker. White, et al, found an 8.7 times higher healthcare expense when looking at opioid abuser with a non-abuser with a comparison cost of $15,884 to $1,830 in 2005 (White, Birnbaum, & Mareva, 2005; 11(6)). Between 2005 and 2006, nonmedical use of opioids rose from 4.7 million to 5.2 million. In 2001, an estimated $8.6 billion total cost...