Substance abuse is responsible for imposing multibillion dollar costs on society.
It accounts for a large proportion of spending on criminal justice, public health, and mental health. It contributes to significant property and personal crime, including child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault, and even helps generate environmental costs related to cleaning up wastes from illegal drug production. Acknowledging these costs, panelists argued that advocates must make the case for comprehensive treatment to policymakers and the public more effectively to generate support and funding. Because the vast majority of prisoners have substance abuse problems, the costs are significantly greater than they would be otherwise. Illinois, for example, funds a 660-bed corrections facility devoted to substance abusers, and treatment programs are in place in many of the state's other facilities.