It's easy to think 'addiction doesn't affect me.' But it's pretty hard to prove it. The fact is addiction effects us all. Let's take a look at Pontotoc County. 

A 2010 survey of Pontotoc County high school seniors shows frequent use of marijuana is increasing.  In 2010, 56% of Pontotoc County 10th graders report using alcohol and 22% report having smoked marijuana.  Binge drinking within the past 2 weeks by Pontotoc County 8th graders is higher than statewide peers.  A greater percentage of Pontotoc County 6th grade students report using inhalants than reported by their peers throughout the state. 

Still wondering how addiction affects you…  Let’s talk about how addiction affects tax payers. According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, Substance abuse is the number one public health problem in Oklahoma and nationally. The economic cost is staggering, estimated at nearly $7 billion annually in Oklahoma and $414 billion nationwide. These costs are for expenses related to health care, public safety, social services, costs to business, and property loss. Another $5 billion in costs is related to lost productivity. Considering these statistics, did you know that incarceration costs about $19,000 per inmate while treatment costs about $5,400 per person? Or that the re-arrest rate for inmates is 54% while it is only 23.5% for Drug Court participants?

Addiction affects us all. And we can all do something about it. Come join us at the next Coalition meeting & get involved!