CADCA Chairman And CEO To Discuss Costs Of Prescription Drug Abuse At National Rx Drug Abuse Summit

Will Offer Solutions to Addressing this Public Health Crisis

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Research shows that prescription painkiller abuse and misuse cost insurers $72.5 billion – largely associated with emergency room visits, rehabilitation, and related health problems, as well as the costs for the desired medications. In addition, according to the Clinical Journal of Pain, prescription drug abuse cost our nation $42 billion in lost productivity and $8.2 billion in criminal justice costs. But prevention saves lives and money.  Every $1 dedicated to drug and alcohol prevention saves $7-$20 in costs from crime, incarceration, emergency room care, productivity, and premature death. At the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit in Orlando, Fla. Gen. Arthur T. Dean, Chairman and CEO of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), the nation's leading substance abuse prevention organization representing over 5,000 community anti-drug coalitions, will join several national experts on a panel, entitled "The Cost of Rx Drug Abuse." During this session, Gen. Dean will discuss the various costs associated with prescription drug abuse to communities, individuals and families, and a comprehensive approach to addressing this complex problem.  

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CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America), is the national membership organization representing over 5,000 coalitions and affiliates working to make America's communities safe, healthy and drug-free. CADCA's mission is to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally. Learn more at: www.cadca.org.

Media Contacts:
Natalia Martinez Duncan (703) 706-0560 ext. 256
Mary Elizabeth Elliott (703) 298-5674

SOURCE CADCA