Former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph A. Califano has released a new book titled High Society. In it, he states that fundamental changes need to occur in the ways that we think about and deal with substance abuse and addiction.

"The problem can be addressed only by a revolution in the nation's criminal justice, medical, educational and social service systems, as well as foreign-policy priorities, Califano says."

He also believes that parents must realize how much influence they can really have over their children's decisions regarding drugs and alcohol. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University estimates that alcohol use, abuse and addiction cost $313 million annually, and that doesn't include any illegal drugs. Read more at TheAdvertiser.com.

Labels: alcohol, cost_of_addiction, legal drugs