The social and economic impact of rehabilitation and incarceration of drug users in Grenada

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the cost for rehabilitation, incarceration and loss of productivity for drug users, as well as general statistics for drug use in Grenada. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from various sources, and used in equations to assess different variables. Data from various institutions were also looked at to examine any trends that could be seen from January 2013 to June 2013. RESULTS: The calculated cost and length of stay for each prisoner in Grenada for drug use is EC $25 787.25. The number of substance use-induced hospital admissions and the cost per day is EC $2 092 501.55 for the 101 patients that were admitted over a six-month period. The calculation for number of people undergoing treatment and cost associated with the treatment is EC $617 680. Amount of wages lost due to premature death from substance use is EC $881 083.48. The costs for arresting and maintaining drug users is EC $2 682 120.74. The cost associated with loss of wages for being imprisoned is EC $2 714 148.08. The statistics from the various institutions showed that 76% of the individuals are males and the major problem substance in Grenada is marijuana, accounting for approximately 45% of the reported substances, and simple possession is the majority violation. CONCLUSION: Grenada spends a significant amount on incarcerating and rehabilitating individuals for substance use and the majority of those are for possession of marijuana. The next step is to come up with a plan to reduce the costs that accrue to the country in order to deal with illicit substance use.