Substance Use Disorder Costs US Economy Nearly $93 Billion in 2023

A recent study reveals that substance use disorders incurred an estimated cost of nearly $93 billion in lost productivity for the United States in 2023. This significant figure stems from various factors, including missed workdays, decreased job performance, inability to work, and diminished household productivity. The analysis, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, underscores the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate these economic burdens.

The research team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized that, while the medical costs and premature deaths associated with substance use disorders have been extensively documented, the productivity losses affecting workers, families, and employers often go unnoticed and are frequently underestimated.

Key Findings on Economic Impact

Using national survey data, primarily from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), researchers calculated productivity losses specifically for adults aged 18 and older with substance use disorders. The analysis revealed that these adults contributed to a total productivity loss of $92.65 billion in 2023, equating to approximately $3,703 per adult with a substance use disorder.

The distribution of these costs highlights a stark gender disparity: males accounted for $61.19 billion in losses, while females contributed $31.45 billion. The study’s authors noted the direct correlation between these economic losses and healthcare expenditures, stating, “These costs are comparable to direct health care spending on substance use disorders, showing the wide economic impact of these disorders.”

Additionally, the analysis identified two often-overlooked components of productivity loss: presenteeism, which refers to employees being physically present but not productive at work, and household productivity losses. Presenteeism accounted for 13% of the total costs, while household production losses represented 10%. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving overall worker functionality, not just attendance, could yield significant economic benefits.

Call for Integrated Approaches

The researchers concluded that effectively addressing substance use disorders requires integrated and ethically grounded approaches. These strategies should focus on individual risk factors while also considering broader social determinants, necessitating coordinated efforts across health, social, and justice systems.

As employers and policymakers contemplate investments in treatment access, workplace supports, and prevention programs, the study highlights the potential for substantial returns on such investments, extending beyond mere healthcare savings.

The full analysis, titled “Productivity Losses From Substance Use Disorder in the U.S. in 2023,” is available in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2025). For further information, refer to DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2025.108102.