Mental and Social Health Commons^™

The Cost Of Alcohol And Drug Abuse In Maine, 2010, Anne L. Rogers, Marcella H. Sorg, Jamie A. Wren

Anthropology Faculty Scholarship

Summary findings

• In 2010, the total estimated cost of substance abuse in Maine was $1.403 billion.

• This $1.403 billion translates into a cost equaling $1,057 for every resident of Maine.

• This was a 56.2% increase from 2005.

• Substance abuse treatment ($47.0 million) comprised the smallest proportion of total cost (3.4%), while mortality, $409.6 million, comprised the largest proportion of costs (24.8%).

Drug-Induced Deaths In Maine 1997-2008, With Estimates For 2009, Marcella H. Sorg

Anthropology Faculty Scholarship

Substance abuse is a critical problem facing the state and local governments of Maine and the communities they serve. Rates of substance abuse—particularly abuse of methadone and other synthetic opiates—increased dramatically in Maine during the early 2000s, as measured by increased incidence of deaths, substance abuse treatment admissions, and drug‐ related arrests. Substance abuse is associated with many types of crime, increased accidents, lost time at work, serious health problems, social dysfunction, and death.

Government cannot develop effective drug policies without valid and reliable data. To address this need, in 2001 the Office of Chief Medical Examiner first sought funding …