Evidence-based Prevention
Saves Money and Reduces Problems
Alcohol-Related Disorder Costs
- 8.5% of Americans currently have an alcohol disorder
- 18% of all Americans have an alcohol disorder at some point in their lives
- $148 billion per annum cost to society (1992 figures)
Economic Analysis of Alcohol Use Prevention Programs
Iowa State University Study (abstract)
- Iowa Strengthening Families Program (ISFP)—estimated reduction of adult alcohol use disorder rates by 13%
- Preparing for the Drug Free Years (PDFY)—estimated reduction of adult alcohol use disorder rates by 6%
- $1 spent in implementing ISFP produces an estimated $9.60 in savings
- $1 spent on PDFY produces an estimated savings of $5.85
These findings suggest that evidence-based interventions disseminated on a large scale have the potential to not only avoid negative
outcomes for individuals and families, but also to achieve
substantial economic savings.
Overall Cost Effectiveness
Washington State Institute for Public Policy Report (http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/costbenefit.pdf)
Does prevention pay?
Do investments in prevention avoid the costs associated with expensive cures?
The conclusion of the Washington State Institute for Public Policy Report is that some prevention and early intervention programs for youth are excellent investments. The report suggests investment in evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs. Whether funds are federal, state or local government, corporate or private—investing resources in proven, “blue chip” prevention stock is a fiscally-wise choice.
The Washington State Institute for Public Policy estimated the comparative costs and tax payer benefits for over 60 prevention programs. Iowa State University’s PROSPER project is successfully implementing several of the programs reviewed in the report. Each program shows a net savings per child and a positive return on investment:
