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Drugs and alcohol claim the lives of nearly 11 thousand Floridians every year.

The deaths result from overdoses, car wrecks, and violent acts committed by the drug abusers. The addicts are costing state, city and county governments an estimate 43 billion dollars a year in emergency room visits, crime scene investigations, and prison costs. Florida TaxWatch spokesman Harvey Bennett says drugs and alcohol also keep people from paying taxes and using their skills for the greater good.

“There is more than the hard cost of emergency room visits, traffic accidents, and other health related costs. There is a human cost in the loss of individuals in the work place, being productive citizens, contributing to the economy of Florida,” said Bennett.

The Florida Substance Abuse and Mental Health Corporation and the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association are calling on state lawmakers to find funding for preventative programs. Studies show every dollar spent on prevention programs saves taxpayers an estimated nine dollars over time.