Substance abuse affects family life, the economy and public safety. The cost is estimated at more than $400 billion a year in lost wages, property loss through crime, and medical costs. Research has established that prevention and treatment can work, but there is a gap between what is known about prevention and treatment and what is generally done. There is no such gap at Volunteers of America. Volunteers of America is a leader in the field and offers a continuum of supportive services and residential treatment options to assist adolescents, adults and their families to experience life without addiction and to become contributing members of their community.