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Research & Resources
Understand the financial burden without losing sight of the people behind it.
This resource library brings together credible public health, workplace and treatment information to help families and professionals understand how opioid use disorder and opioid-related loss can affect financial lives, organizations and communities.
$1.02T
CDC estimated the combined U.S. economic cost of opioid use disorder and fatal opioid overdose at $1.02 trillion in 2017.
The national scale
The economic burden is broad. The financial consequences are personal.
CDC’s estimate included healthcare, opioid use disorder treatment, criminal justice, lost work productivity, reduced quality of life and the value of lives lost. It is useful for understanding the scale of the problem, but it does not tell the whole story of what a family, employer or professional may experience.
That is why Opioid Financial Awareness focuses on both levels: the measurable economic burden and the financial decisions that can unfold inside a household, workplace or long-term plan.
Where the financial burden can appear
A national crisis can reach many parts of a financial life.
The categories below are intended to organize the financial issues families and professionals may need to consider. They are not diagnostic indicators and they will not apply to every situation.
Personal & Family Finances
Changing income, debt, depleted savings, repeated family support, caregiving, housing costs, interrupted goals and financial decisions after opioid-related loss.
Employer & Workplace Costs
Absenteeism, productivity, safety, benefits, workers’ compensation, employee retention and the need for policies that support prevention, treatment and recovery.
Healthcare & Insurance
Treatment, emergency care, medications, deductibles, copays, coverage questions, network issues and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Government & Community Costs
Public health response, treatment infrastructure, criminal justice, social services and other community resources affected by opioid use disorder and overdose.
Long-Term Economic Consequences
Lost productivity, interrupted careers, reduced household wealth, diminished retirement security, caregiving demands, reduced quality of life and the economic effects of premature death.
Questions families and professionals may have
The research becomes useful when it helps people ask better questions.
These are common financial questions to consider with the appropriate financial, legal, insurance, workplace, treatment or community professional.
Immediate financial concerns
- Has household income changed or become less predictable?
- Are savings, investments or retirement accounts being used for recurring expenses?
- Are bills, debts or housing costs becoming harder to manage?
- Is financial support for a loved one becoming ongoing rather than temporary?
Insurance and treatment costs
- What treatment services does the health plan cover?
- What deductibles, copays, prior authorizations or network limits may apply?
- What expenses could fall outside insurance coverage?
- Who can explain benefits and appeal rights before major financial decisions are made?
Legal and estate questions
- Do powers of attorney, beneficiary designations or estate documents need review?
- Who currently has access to financial accounts or authority to make decisions?
- Are there concerns about undue pressure, exploitation or financial vulnerability?
- When should an attorney be involved?
Employment and workplace issues
- How has the situation affected attendance, income, benefits or the ability to work?
- What leave, disability, employee assistance or recovery-support resources may be available?
- What responsibilities belong to HR, benefits, safety or management teams?
- How can employers support employees while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries?
Retirement and long-term family planning
- Have retirement contributions stopped or long-term assets been redirected?
- Could recurring support for a loved one affect future retirement income?
- Are caregiving responsibilities changing housing, work or retirement decisions?
- What financial adjustments may be necessary after an opioid-related death?
Primary research & federal resources
Start with authoritative sources.
These resources provide deeper information on the economic burden, workplace impact, treatment access and insurance considerations related to opioid use disorder.
These organizations are listed as research and public-resource sources. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, affiliation or partnership with Coastal Life Strategies.
Putting research into context
Research should inform the conversation—not overwhelm it.
Opioid Financial Awareness uses research to establish credibility and context while keeping the educational focus on real financial decisions and appropriate professional conversations.
For families
Use research to understand that financial strain can be part of the broader impact, then focus on the specific income, insurance, debt, caregiving, legal and long-term questions in front of you.
For professionals
Use the information to understand context, recognize changing financial circumstances and know when to involve another qualified professional—without trying to diagnose or treat substance use disorder.
For organizations
Use the research to support education, workplace awareness, professional training and resource development without turning the subject into fear-based messaging.
Bring the research into education
Turn complex research into practical financial awareness for your audience.
Coastal Life Strategies can build education around the financial questions most relevant to your organization, profession or community.