Study: Substance misuse cost Alaska about $3.5 billion

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – A yearlong study has shown substance misuse in Alaska cost the state about $3.5 billion in 2018 in resulting health care, productivity loss, criminal justice, traffic accidents and other services. Juneau Empire reported Friday that the study found that $2.4 billion was related to alcohol abuse and $1.1 billion was related to drug abuse. Officials say drug and alcohol use can lead to interactions with law enforcement and emergency services, which each have associated costs.