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New study shows human and economic costs of addiction prevention

By Staff Writer

Individuals who are at risk of, or suffer from, substance abuse are sometimes reluctant to admit that they have a problem and seek professional help.

However, a new study from the National Commission on Prevention Priorities (NCPP) found that the use of preventive health services - including tobacco cessation and alcohol abuse screening - has the potential to save as many as 2 million lives each year.

The research paper, published in the September issue of Health Affairs, also conducted a cost-benefit analysis of adopting 20 proven preventive services and estimated annual healthcare costs if they were used by 90 percent of the population.

Their results suggested that some $3.7 billion could be saved.

Robert J. Gould, president and CEO of Partnership for Prevention, praised the new healthcare law for making provisions to allow Americans to access these services at lower or no cost.

However, he added that "we now need health purchasers, insurers and providers to make every effort to improve their delivery and educate the public about these life-saving preventive services."

Individuals who are already struggling with addictions may research the many rehab centers across the country that offer customized and alternative treatment plans.