| The abuse of alcohol and other drugs is
undeniably linked with economic and personal adversities
for both individuals and society. It is estimated that
the annual national cost of substance abuse is more than
$144 billion. This includes related health and mental
health care, social welfare, victim’s losses,
unemployment, lost productivity, and criminal justice
system costs. The number of persons incarcerated in the
United States has doubled since 1980, and much of the
crime responsible for this increase is drug-driven. It is
estimated that currently 80 percent of criminal offenders
are substance abusers. The immeasurable human suffering caused by chemical dependency is equally disturbing. Family dysfunction and violence, children affected by alcohol or other drugs before birth, homelessness and poverty, accidents, homicides, suicides, and crime are often rooted in the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The rates of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and other infectious diseases are growing among injection drug users, the homeless, prison populations, and others commonly involved with alcohol abuse or the use of illicit drugs. HIV disease and a variety of other illnesses that are related to substance abuse have affected this country’s health care system enormously . Health care costs in this country have increased at twice the rate of inflation since 1981. Medical costs are being driven even higher by the incidence of substance abuse-related infectious diseases. Substance abuse is a chronic, progressive, relapsing disorder resulting in physical and psychological dependence on chemical substances. Much like other health disorders, it also can be treated successfully. Effective treatment of substance abuse disorders is essential for decreasing drug use and many of its accompanying problems. Alcohol and drug abuse treatment reduces chemical dependency and thus helps control both the spread and the associated costs of substance abuse-related diseases. Treatment also reduces criminal behavior and increases productive work and social functioning. (Center of Substance Abuse Treatment) Cumberland Mountain Community Services Board offers comprehensive substance abuse services for the counties of Buchanan, Russell, and Tazewell. Community-based outpatient services are offered in four clinic locations. Prevention services establish and maintain local prevention and education programs in response to specific school and community needs. Medically supervised detoxification for individuals in need of a supportive and supervised environment away from their usual place of residence is provided through our residential component. |
