The Opportunity Cost of Opioid Addiction

$8.8 billion. That’s what a new study estimates the opioid epidemic is costing the West Virginia economy every year.

That’s 12 percent of the state’s GDP, and more than any other state.

On this week’s Front Porch podcast, we debate the opportunity cost of opioid addiction for our economy – and how we can get out of this mess.

The Front Porch is where we debate the tough issues facing Appalachia like you and your friends do, on your front porch.

Hosts are Scott Finn, grand poo-bah at West Virginia Public Broadcasting, joined by liberal columnist Rick Wilson of the American Friends Service Committee and Garrett Ballengee of the free-market Cardinal Institute.

Support from the The Front Porch comes from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Charleston Gazette-Mail.