Tennessee ranks in top in meth costs

Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that has taken its toll on Tennesseans across the state. But the costs of meth go far beyond addiction and lost lives.Cost to nation: $23.4 billion to $48 billionIn a 2009 report, Rand Corp. studied the costs of methamphetamine around the nation, ranking Tennessee at the top. A Rand study estimated the economic costs of meth reached $23.4 billion a year — with some estimates reaching as high as $48 billion. Tennessee represents more than 7 percent of the $23.4 billion nationwide costs of the problem.Cost to Tennessee: $1.6 billionEstimated economic cost each year in Tennessee as a result of meth use. This includes enforcement, cleanup and treatment, along with what the researchers said were intangible costs such as the loss of quality of life.Tennessee’s top costs$300 million: Enforcement is the largest portion of the costs to Tennesseans. In 2013, the state had 1,685 meth busts, the second most in the nation. Only Missouri had more.Keep reading with our partners at The Tennessean.



from Johnson City Press Latest News Feed

To read more visit: http://bit.ly/NKd7mI

This share sponsored by East Coast Wings Johnson City

from Tumblr http://bit.ly/1fACOfM

via This share sponsored by East Coast Wings Johnson City