About the Exhibit
Illegal drugs are an ever present threat in American society. They have an impact on human health, families, communities, the economy, and the safety of the country. The costs to society—estimated at more than $193 billion a year—are born by all of us in some way. Despite the fact that the vast majority of Americans are not drug users, we pay for users’ lost productivity, their health care, criminal justice costs, child welfare costs, and the impact their drug use has on our own health and safety. This exhibit is designed to open eyes to these facts, including the science behind illegal drug addiction and the myriad costs of illegal drugs—to individuals, American society, and the world, and to provide food for thought on how each and every one of us can make a difference.
Drugs: Costs & Consequences is an exhibit from the Drug Enforcement Administration Museum that began a national tour in 2002. With content specific to each location where it is displayed, the exhibit presents global and historical overviews of the many costs and consequences of drugs on society. Through artifacts, exhibits, dramatic historic content, science content, and 32 video and interactive stations, the exhibit provides a powerful look at one of the biggest issues facing America today.
Development Partners
Drugs: Costs & Consequences was developed in partnership with:
- The DEA Educational Foundation
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse
- The Office of National Drug Control Policy
- The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
- The Partnership to End Addiction