The impact of substance use on health is too often understated. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) released its report on the leading causes of death and premature death for the period 2001-2010. LACDPH Director, Jonathan Fielding, noted an overall decrease in the death rate in LA County, but little improvement in the death rates from preventable injuries, including drug overdose, the 6th leading cause of premature death for this period.
A closer look at the report reveals that overdose is not the only issue in which substance use is a concern. Of the top 10 leading causes of death, eight of them list alcohol, tobacco or other substance use as a risk factor. This includes the biggest killer by far, coronary heart disease, as well as stroke, breast cancer and liver disease.
CBAM is continually testing new, evidence-based tools for the treatment of substance use including conducting clinical trials to test novel medications. To find out more, see our Active Studies page.