Which statement describes a broad societal impact of drug abuse?

• A. It has no impact on society
• B. It reduces crime and health costs
• C. It increases crime and health costs
• D. It only affects the individual

Answer: (C)

Drug abuse creates costs for society that go beyond the person using substances. When misuse occurs, there are more overdoses, injuries, and health problems that require emergency care, treatment, and ongoing medical services, which drives up health-care costs. It can also fuel crime—people may steal or commit other offenses to obtain money for drugs, and drug trafficking can lead to violence and legal issues—leading to greater spending on policing, courts, and corrections. These effects ripple through families, schools, workplaces, and communities, reducing productivity and placing a larger burden on social services. So the statement that describes a broad societal impact is that crime and health costs rise. The other options ignore these widespread consequences or suggest the opposite, or limit the impact to the individual, which isn’t accurate.