To accomplish it we convened an extraordinary advisory panel of distinguished public officials, researchers and representatives of the National Governors' Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Association of State Budget Officers and the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors. We assembled a team of experts in economics, epidemiology and state government budgeting and finance. We reviewed some 400 articles, books and other publications on substance abuse and public spending. We extensively interviewed state budget officers, devised a survey instrument and tested it in California, Florida and New York in order to refine it before sending it to all the states. The survey captured 1998 spending in 16 budget categories for the 47 responding jurisdictions.
Some caveats are appropriate.
In several areas, such as public housing, higher education and state employee healthcare, because of lack of data, we were unable to assess the impact of substance abuse and addiction, and this report contains no costs in these areas. As a result, this report significantly underestimates the impact of substance abuse on state budgets. This report covers only state costs. Finally, the human suffering of addicts, abusers and their families and friends are incalculable. This report continues CASA's ongoing Analysis of the Impact of Substance Abuse and Addiction on America's Systems and Populations.