Study Seeks Economic Scope of Drug Abuse in Indiana

State Senator Jim Merritt (R-31) has introduced a bill designed to measure the toll the "scourge" of drug addiction has on the Hoosier economy. The scope of the proposal ranges from governmental agencies and programs to insurance companies and other private businesses to individuals. Merritt says the state currently lacks the resources to properly deal with those struggling with addiction. Merritt says the need for a healthy work force is at the center of the study.