Value of Reduction in Crime-Related Costs vs. Costs of Drug Treatment
The ability of drug abuse treatment to reduce illegal activity has marked economic impact. One study found a reduction in crime-related costs in the year following treatment that averaged more than $19,000 per patient. This compares favorably to the cost of providing the treatment - $2,828 for methadone maintenance, $8,920 for residential treatment, and $2,908 for outpatient drug-free.
Source: Rajkumar, A.S. and French, M.T. (1997), "Drug Abuse, Crime Costs, and the Economic Benefits of Treatment," Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 13 (3): 291-323.