Each year, smoking takes the lives of about 400,000 and passive smoking about 500,000. In addition, prevention efforts strengthen our communities, schools, families, and individuals. Drug dealers are less likely to infiltrate strong communities. Schools with strong policies against smoking and drinking are healthier. Family members who serve as healthy role models help inoculate their offspring.
Mentors offer support for healthy individual development.
Smoking and use of other tobacco products cause cancer and heart disease. Alcohol also is a factor in these diseases. Violence and disease represent large costs to taxpayers struggling with a record-setting deficit and ever increasing health care costs. Prevention means less money must be spent on preventable diseases. Incarceration is one part of the cost of violence and crime associated with ATOD problems.