Indirect costs and the burden of alcohol- and drug-related problems

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the economic impact of alcohol- and drug-related problems in different sectors of society, describing their indirect costs (violence, criminality, accidents, workplace, education, early exposure, social benefits, early retirement, and mortality) to society. The burden of disease is described, highlighting the importance of the indirect effects of drug abuse in its measurement. Then, the main components of indirect costs in the context of drug abuse and dependence are discussed.