Virginia‘s Opioid Crisis โขCost $5.2 billion in 2023, But Recovery Investmentsโ Offer Hope
RICHMOND, VA – โThe economic and โขhuman toll of the โopioid crisis in Virginia remained staggering in 2023, costing the state an estimated $5.2 billion, according to a new report. While the financial burden underscores the ongoingโข severity of the problem, increased investments in prevention,โข treatment, and recovery resources โคare beginning to show promising signs โof impact.
The crisis continues to devastate families and communities across the Commonwealth,straining healthcareโ systems,impacting the workforce,and contributing โto rising rates of crime โand overdose deaths. The $5.2 billion figure encompasses costs related to healthcare, lost productivity, criminal justice involvement, and premature mortality. โThough, state officials point to a surge in funding allocated to address the epidemic – fueled in part by legal settlements with opioid โmanufacturersโ and distributors โ- as a criticalโข step toward reversing the trendโ and supportingโฃ those struggling โคwith addiction.
Virginia has received important funds from settlements reached with companies accused of fueling theโ opioid crisis. these funds are being directed towards a range of initiatives, including expanding โaccess toโข medication-assisted treatment, increasing the availability of naloxone (a life-saving overdose reversal drug), and โคsupporting community-based recovery programs.
“We are committed to turning the tide on thisโ crisis,” said a spokesperson forโ the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.โค “These investments are not just about addressing the immediate consequences of addiction, but โalso about building a comprehensive system of care thatโค supportsโข long-term โrecovery and prevents future tragedies.”
Data indicates that while overdose deaths remain a concern, the rate of increaseโ has slowedโ in some areas of the state.โ Furthermore, the numberโค of individuals entering treatment programs has risen, suggesting a growing willingness โto seek help. โ
CBS 6 News is committed toโ sharing community voices on this important topic. share your โฃthoughts with the CBS 6 Newsroom at newstips@wtvr.com.
๐ฒ: CONNECT WITH CBS 6
Blue Sky | Facebook | Instagram | X | โคThreads | TikTok | YouTube
This โฃstory โขwas initially reported byโ aโ journalistโค and hasโฃ been converted to this platform with โฃthe โassistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. To learn more about how we use AI in our newsroom, click here.
