In 2008, Maine was ranked among the top ten states (1) in the country for several categories related to drug use. As illicit drug use often leads to incarceration, treatment, injury, crime, and even death, the financial toll that this has taken on the residents of this northern state are major. Recent statistics estimate that substance use and its related issues cost the state of Maine $1.403 billion dollars. This breaks down to roughly $1,057 for every resident of Maine. Though this statistic is high, just how does this break down into the various categories and what is being done in recent years to prevent the rise of the financial toll on Maine and its inhabitants.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, regardless of the location in America, Guardian Recovery has substance use treatment options available for you. We are committed to providing each of our clients with the highest quality of substance use treatment available. Call today to speak with an intake coordinator to review your options. Your journey to freedom could begin today.
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Rates of Drug Abuse in Maine
Throughout recent years, Maine has continued to battle against the damaging effects that addiction has had on its residents. Statistics report that 11.15% of residents over the age of 12 report recent drug use as recently as the last month. This is higher than the national average of the same time period coming in at 8.5% reporting drug use within the last month. As the rates of drug use increase, unfortunately, so do the collateral damages associated with this lifestyle. Crime rates have been directly impacted resulting in total estimated drug- and alcohol-related crime costs to be approximately $343.4 million. (2)
Maine Overdose Death Rates & Other Statistics
Government statistics (3) estimate that, in total, 10,110 overdoses were reported in Maine in 2022, including 716 suspected or confirmed deaths. Though these deaths have negatively impacted the state, it reveals that the survival rate for an overdose has risen to 93%. This is due, in part, to the measures taken by government and community treatment agencies to both equip and educate the public on how to prevent overdose deaths.
Where in Maine Do People Utilize Drugs & Alcohol the Most?
With factors like population density, poverty, and access to illicit substances like fentanyl, drug use and overdose rates have been spread throughout the state, but concentrated most heavily in the Cumberland County area. The highest number of drug overdose deaths in 2017 (4), or 26% of them, occurred in Cumberland County, with 57 of those deaths occurring in Portland.
How Much Does Drug & Alcohol Abuse Cost American Businesses Each Year?
An often overlooked but important factor to consider when considering the financial cost that substance use has on our society is the effect that it has on businesses and employers. Elements like days called in sick, workplace accidents, and working while intoxicated all play a role in determining the true cost that substance use has had. Since 1999 it is estimated that substance use, for both drugs and alcohol, has cost businesses in the United States $510.8 billion (5). This means that businesses lose approximately $21.3 billion each year as a result of drug and alcohol use.
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Substance Abuse & Related Disorders in Maine: Yearly Economic Costs
Substance use in Maine has the same economic impact on both the businesses as well as the residents. From categories like incarceration, mortality, and treatment, Maine residents have undoubtedly felt the economic impact. It is estimated that each fiscal year substance abuse and its related effects have cost Maine residents an estimated $1.403 billion. This means that it costs each Maine resident approximately $1,057.
Societal & Familial Costs of Substance Abuse
An unfortunate side effect from substance use is often the impacts on families and the societal structure as a whole. This impact is felt throughout the country with the state of Maine being no exception. An estimated $45.9 million in child welfare costs related to substance abuse was spent in Maine during 2010. Similarly, an estimated $3.5 million was spent on the administration of other social welfare programs related to drug and alcohol abuse in Maine during 2010. Though the monetary cost is in the millions, it is impossible to quantify the far reaching emotional impact that substance use has on the residents of Maine.
Contributing Reasons to Maine’s High Rates of Drug Abuse
As America continues to search for resolutions to the nation’s opioid epidemic, Maine has felt the impact of this struggle as well. As illicit use of prescription medications remains a factor in many drug user’s stories, Maine residents can attest to the powerful effect that these substances have on their loved ones. Over recent years, the state government in Main has implemented actions and resources to combat the illegal use of prescription medications in an effort to mitigate some of the addictive patterns that may come as a result.
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Seeking Treatment for Substance Abuse
If you are a resident of Maine or any other state in America, you yourself or someone that you love may be struggling with a substance use disorder. Thankfully, you no longer have to fight this battle alone. Guardian Recovery is available to provide you with the nation’s highest quality of substance use treatment. Our highly trained clinical staff are able to assess the specific needs of each client that comes through our facility to ensure that you have the tools that you need for a successful life of long term recovery. Call today for a free no obligation insurance check. Your journey to freedom can begin today.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/docs/state_profile-maine.pdf
- https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=mcspc_healthsafety
- https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/mills-administration-statement-january-december-2022-drug-overdose-report-2023-02-02#:~:text=The%20report%20found%20that%2C%20in,75%20suspected%20or%20confirmed%20deaths.
- https://www.maine.gov/ag/news/article.shtml?id=788298#:~:text=The%20highest%20number%20of%20drug,a%20week%20%E2%80%94%20occurring%20in%20Portland.
- https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/cost-benefits-prevention.pdf
