Addictions are the number one cause of death in the USA. Over 400,000 deaths from tobacco and over 100,000 deaths from cirrhosis, and hundreds of thousands of deaths from overdoses, infection, homicide, suicide and heart disease related to opiates and prescription. Drug addiction fact: drugs In 2008 the cost of addictions, including alcohol, tobacco and drugs, in the USA exceeded 500 billion dollars. This includes health, crime related costs and loss of productivity.

Drug addiction facts: Addictions are the cause of 90% of incarcerations and represent 50% of psychiatric hospital admissions.