ABSTRACT
Substance abuse is a devastating disorder that has insidiously contaminated and destroyed the lives of millions of Americans. Findings from large epidemiological studies reveal that between 16.7% to 26.6% of Americans qualify for a lifetime diagnosis of a substance use disorder (Kessler et al., 1994; Regier et al., 1990). Substance abuse carries with it a legion of undesirable consequences. In 1990, the total economic costs associated with alcohol abuse were estimated at $98.6 billion, a 40% increase from just 5 years prior (Rice, 1993). Given that this value is restricted to alcohol abuse, the costs for all substance use disorders is certainly much higher. Drug use decreases work productivity and the probability of being employed (Mullahy & Sindelar, 1992), while increasing work-related injuries and absenteeism (Podolsky & Richards, 1985). Finally, substance abuse also engenders a myriad of socially destructive effects such as firearm assaults, sexual assaults, homicides, and motor vehicle fatalities (Murdoch, Pihl, & Ross, 1990), to say nothing of its harmful medical and health-related concomitants (Sands, Knapp, & Ciraulo, 1993).
