HD19 - Mitigating the Cost of Substance Abuse in Virginia


Executive Summary:
Executive Summary replaced in its entirety on October 15, 2008 by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

House Joint Resolution 683 and Senate Joint Resolution 395 from the 2007 General Assembly directed JLARC staff to study the impact of substance abuse on the State and localities.

JLARC staff found that the adverse effects of substance abuse cost the State and local governments at least $613 million in 2006, incurred primarily in public safety. To mitigate these effects, the State and localities spent $102 million providing substance abuse services. Most populations that completed substance abuse treatment imposed lower net costs on the State and localities, and the majority experienced better outcomes.

Still, the benefits of substance abuse treatment are not maximized because many Virginians do not seek services, are unable to access them, or do not receive services that are proven effective and best meet their needs. In addition, the majority of offenders do not appear to receive the substance abuse treatment they need despite imposing the greatest costs. To further reduce the costs of drug and alcohol abuse, the State could ensure that existing services are effective, and then consider expanding the availability of substance abuse services.