The Economic Value of Main Report

Figure A10.3: Prevalence of major depressive episode with severe impairment and treatment for depression by education level

6.0%

5.0%

4.0%

3.0%

2.0%

1.0%

0.0%

Less than high school

High school graduate Some college or technical school

College graduate

Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Substance abuse

The burden and cost of substance abuse is enormous in the U.S., but little is known about the magnitude of costs and effects at a national level. What is known is that the rate of people abusing substances is inversely proportional to their education level. The higher the education level, the less likely a person is to abuse or depend on illicit drugs. The probability that a person with less than a high school diploma will abuse drugs or alcohol is 17.8%, slightly larger than the probability of substance abuse for college graduates (16.1%). This relationship is presented in Figure A10.4 based on data supplied by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 61 Prevalence does not strictly decline at every education level. Health Costs associated with substance abuse include health, productivity, traffic collisions, fire, and research and prevention . 62

61 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. “Table 5.10B – Substance Use Disorder in Past Year: Among People Aged 12 or Older; by Age Group and Demographic Characteristics, Percentages, 2021 and 2022.” 62 Marwood Group. “Economic Cost of Substance Abuse Disorder in the United States, 2019 . ” Recovery Centers of America.

The economic value of Monroe Community College

111