Objective: To compute the life expectancy of a cohort of male narcotics addicts and compare this to the life expectancy of males in the general population living in the same time period. Further, to assess the productivity loss as a result of premature mortality. Methods: This longitudinal, prospective study followed a cohort of male narcotics addicts in California over 33 years. We constructed a mortality profile and generation life table using death certificate data. The average future life expectancy was constructed for the narcotics addicts and for a comparable cohort from the general U.S. population. Results: The mean age for the cohort was 27.74 years. The average life expectancy in the cohort was18.84 years. The equivalent for the average US male was 33.48 years. This difference was significant (t=49.49, p < .00001). As a result of this premature mortality the economic burden generated by this cohort in terms of lost productivity alone was greater than $183 million (Harwood, Fountain and Livermore, 1992). Conclusion: The lives of heroin addicts were severely shortened as a result of their habit and accompanying health-compromising life style. The loss of lives at such productive ages gives rise to escalating social and economic burden.
Learning Objectives: During the session, faculty will discuss premature mortality (in terms of life expectancy) as a result of narcotics addiction and its economic consequences. At the conclusion of the session the participant (learner) will be able to :- (1) Construct life tables and analyse life expectancy of a cohort. (2) Recognize the link between premature mortality as a result of narcotics addiction and productivity loss. (3) Assess the differences in life expectancy among male narcotics addicts and the average American male thus realizing the detrimental consequences of narcotics addiction
Keywords: Aging, Drug Addiction
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: UCLA Drug Abuse Research Center
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.