Thought Shift Can Help Our Communities
Lower Costs and Less Stress on Resources
Municipalities bear significant costs from self-harm behaviors, particularly substance misuse, which strains public services and resources. Nationally, excessive drinking alone costs local and state governments over $29 billion annually, largely in police, ambulance, and judicial expenses needed to handle alcohol-related incidents CDC.
For example, emergency departments across the U.S. see an average of $520 per visit for mental health and substance misuse cases, with a substantial share involving police and ambulance services.
Substance misuse also leads to increased incarceration rates, with jails and courts overwhelmed by alcohol-related offenses. Additionally, municipalities bear indirect costs due to repeated interventions and public health services, especially in high-risk communities. HCUP-US.
Thought Shift Marketing Is Simple Support
Investing in preventative, behavior-focused marketing campaigns could help municipalities reduce these medical, police and punitive service costs by promoting healthier habits within communities, ultimately lightening the load on local resources, enhancing public safety, and preserving funds for other critical community services. NIAAA Sober World #thoughtshiftorg
