According to a report released this week, drug- and alcohol-related crimes cost West Virginia $333 million across fiscal years 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. The report analyzes the costs of crimes that are either directly or indirectly linked to drugs and/or alcohol.

The report, produced by the Prevention Resource Center for the governor-appoint Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being, shows rapidly increasing costs for 11 of 12 participating public agencies, including courts and law enforcement. Based on this trend, the report projects that West Virginia will be spending around $500 on drug-related crime by 2017.

The report concludes: "Substance abuse places an enormous financial burden on West Virginia's criminal justice system. The alarming fact is the burden will continue to grow unless urgent actions are taken to provide the continuum of care necessary to stem this growth."

Labels: alcohol, drugs