From: Jim Rosenfield <[j n r] at [igc.apc.org]>
Newsgroups: talk.politics.drugs
Date: 30 Oct 93 18:58 PST
Subject: Drug Abuse Study

UPn  10/27 1700  Study shows drug abuse is No. 1 health problem 

SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) -- A study reported Wednesday shows drug abuse is
the single most preventable cause of death, disability and illness. 

Researchers told a major health conference the new survey -- the most
comprehensive to date -- found the United States spends billions of
dollars on unnecessary health care resulting from alcohol, tobacco and
illegal drug abuse. 

The reseachers said the abuse is wreaking havoc with the nation's
economy, family ties, personal security and the judicial system. 

The study found nearly half a million Americans die every year from
substance abuse; two-thirds of homicides and serious assaults involve
alcohol; and alcohol abuse was responsible in one out of three failed
marriages. 

In addition, the study found 75 percent of those who need it do not get
alcohol and drug treatment. 

Copyright 1993 United Press International
Used with Permission