Government Working to Address the Cost of Substance Abuse

A study on the cost of substance abuse in Canada reinforces the importance of the province's investment in Health Promotion and Protection for Nova Scotia.

The study, released today, April 26, by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, shows that substance abuse costs the Canadian economy $39.8 billion each year. In Nova Scotia, substance abuse costs $1.24 billion annually, according to the study's 2002 data.

"When you see the total cost of substance abuse quantified like this it's a daunting number and underlines the important work we are doing," said Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet. "The Tobacco Control Strategy is showing significant results and we are developing strategies to address alcohol and drugs in the province."

The majority of the costs to society are related to tobacco and alcohol abuse. The cost of tobacco abuse accounts for 50.3 per cent of the total cost, followed by alcohol at 33.7 per cent and illegal drugs at 16.1 per cent.

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection is five years into its provincial Tobacco Control Strategy. Total smoking rates have dropped from a rate of 30 per cent in 2000 to 20 per cent in 2005. The province is also preparing to implement the toughest anti-tobacco legislation in the country. The new laws will take effect Dec. 1, 2006.

In December 2005, the province released its provincial Alcohol Indicators Report. This report was the first of its kind in Canada and provided insight into consumption, patterns and related harms of alcohol use. The report will be used in the development of the province's alcohol strategy, scheduled for release in November.

The province is also currently working with law enforcement and other key departments to develop a provincial drug strategy that will meet the needs of Nova Scotia.

Tobacco control and addiction prevention are both priority areas for the department. The province spends $29.8 million annually for a wide range of addiction prevention and treatment services throughout the province. These services help individuals and families with alcohol and drug problems.

An additional $2.4 million is invested in reducing overall tobacco-use rates and providing cessation support for those who wish to quit.

"We were proud to be a funding partner in this study because it's an opportunity to get new information and learn and improve what we are doing," said Mr. Barnet. "We recognize the significance of this study and remain committed to making Nova Scotia a healthy and prosperous place for families to live, work and play."

The report highlights can be found on the website at www.ccsa.ca . For information on the Department of Health Promotion and Protection see www.gov.ns.ca/ohp .