
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 21, 1993                   TAG: 9310210191
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

DRUG, ALCOHOL ABUSE COST PUT AT $238 BILLION

Abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs cost the nation at least $238 billion during 1990 in lost productivity, medical outlays, crime costs and destruction of property, as well as resulting in nearly 500,000 deaths, according to a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to be released here today.

The study concludes that one-half to two-thirds of homicides and serious assaults involve alcohol, which also is a contributing factor in one of three failed marriages.

In a statement to be released with the report, former secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph Califano estimates that certain indirect medical costs from alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse could add as much as $200 billion to the $238 billion total. Califano said this means it will be impossible to solve the problem of skyrocketing health costs unless a direct attack on substance abuse is mounted as part of President Clinton's health plan.

More than 30 organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Bar Association, American Council on Education, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the American Hospital Association, are planning an alliance to curb substance abuse, according to Califano.

- The Washington Post

by CNB