ECONOMIC BURDEN OF DRUG DEPENDENCY - SOCIAL COSTS INCURRED BY DRUG-USERS AT INTAKE TO THE NATIONAL-TREATMENT-OUTCOME-RESEARCH-STUDY

Background The use of illegal drugs is seen as a major social problem. The social costs can be high. Methods Self-report data from interview s at intake to the National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS) f or 1075 drug users and cost data from various sources were used to est imate criminal behaviour and health and addiction service costs for a 12-month period. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to analyse cost variations. Results Total costs for one year for the drug users amounted to over pound 12 million, the majority attributable to self-r eported criminal behaviour Social costs were positively related to a v ariety of factors including instability in living circumstances, amoun t of heroin used and whether or not drugs were taken intravenously. Co nclusions The study clearly demonstrates the economic and social burde n associated with heavy drug users and highlights the need for further investigations into the costs and benefits of policies that can reduc e these social costs.