The costs of alcoholism

Abstract

Background: Alcohol dependence is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, placing many health, social and economic burdens upon society. Aims: To review evidence regarding the socioeconomic burden of alcoholism and the cost-effectiveness of available treatments. Methods: Relevant literature was identified from searches of electronic databases covering the period from 1980 to February 2002. Results: Total economic costs to society from alcohol abuse have been estimated at $148 billion (1992) in the USA, DM6 billion (e3.1 billion, 1990) in West Germany and 638 billion ptas (e3.8 billion, 1996) in Spain. Lost productivity costs far outweighed direct medical costs in each of these countries. Regarding comparative cost-effectiveness evidence, no economic evaluations could be identified on specific interventions, except the several modelling studies that have been published recently on acamprosate. They showed potential cost savings by acamprosate, primarily through reduced acute hospitalization and rehabilitation. Existing effectiveness and cost data suggest that brief motivational counselling is also a potentially cost-effective intervention. A few papers examining the costeffectiveness of different treatment programmes were also reviewed. Conclusions: Results of this review further emphasize the necessity of efficient resource allocation in health care and the need for comprehensive, standardized management strategies for people with alcohol abuse.

The cost of treating substance use disorders: individual versus family therapy

“…In 2004 22.5 million Americans (9.4% of the population) aged 12 and older were classified with a SUD (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, ). The financial impact of alcohol abuse on society in the USA includes increased use of health care, crime and accident costs, which rose from $148 billion in 1992 (Simon et al ., ) to $185 billion in 2000 (Office of National Drug Control Policy, ). In addition, the costs of drug abuse to society have risen annually by 5.9 per cent since 1992, and in 2002 reached an estimated $180.8 billion (Office of National Drug Control Policy, ).…”

Cost‐Effectiveness of Family‐Based Substance Abuse Treatment

“…In 2004, a staggering 22.5 million Americans (9.4% of the population) aged 12 and older were classified with substance abuse or dependence disorders (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2005). The financial impact of alcohol abuse on society includes increased health care, crime, and accident costs (Simon, Patel, & Sleed, 2005). These costs in the United States rose from $148 billion in 1992 (Simon et al., 2005) to $185 billion in 2000 (Office of National Drug Control Policy [ONDCP], 2004).…”

“…The financial impact of alcohol abuse on society includes increased health care, crime, and accident costs (Simon, Patel, & Sleed, 2005). These costs in the United States rose from $148 billion in 1992 (Simon et al., 2005) to $185 billion in 2000 (Office of National Drug Control Policy [ONDCP], 2004). In addition, the costs of drug abuse to society have risen annually 5.9% since 1992, and in 2002 reached an estimated $180.8 billion (ONDCP, 2004).…”