The Connection
In 2001, one in every 37 deaths in Dallas County was a preventable death caused by drug use – an unnecessary death occurring in Dallas County each and every day.

The Costs
The estimated lost lifetime productivity due to a drug-related premature death is highly variable, but a median value is in the range of $350,000 per death. Premature deaths due to drug abuse are projected to cost twice that amount in lost production, primarily because these deaths occur on average at a much earlier age.¹

Using a conservative estimate of $600,000., Dallas County lost over $225 million in lifetime productivity due to drug-related deaths in 2001. Between 1996–2001, over 1,600 drug-related deaths resulted in almost $1 billion in lost lifetime productivity costs.

In the News
Dallas Morning News–September 2003
A 20-year-old Highland Village man died after he was reported unconscious in a camping area on Lewisville Lake. He was transported to Medical Center of Lewisville where he could not be revived. He is believed to have died of a drug overdose.

Make A Difference
Understand that alcohol and other drug addiction is a disease, which is primary, progressive, and often fatal. While there is no cure, it can be treatable — and is preventable.

Advocate for increased resources for publicly funded drug treatment and prevention.

Support treatment and prevention programs through donations and volunteer work.

Find out how you can help people who are struggling with drug abuse issues.

Resources
Regional Organizations
  Dallas Challenge (youth)
     (972) 566-4680

  City of Dallas Youth Services
     (214) 243-1575

  GDCADA  (214) 522-8600

  Narcotics Anonymous
     (972) 699-9306

  Phoenix House   (214) 999-1044

State & National Organizations
  NIAAA
  TCADA

Deaths Related to Drug Use – Dallas County

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Percents Shown Are Percent
of Total Dallas County Deaths

Sources:
TX Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse
TX Dept. of Health