The high cost of substance abuse

State officials discuss legislation aimed at curbing opioid abuse with reporters in the state Capitol on Monday. From left to right: Alaska Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth, Health Commissioner Valeria “Nurr’araaluk” Davidson, Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott, and Gov. Bill Walker. (Photo by Andrew Kitchenman/KTOO and Alaska Public Media)$3 billion. That’s the annual expense associated with alcohol and drug abuse in Alaska. The numbers were compiled in a new report for the Ala