A study published in Medical Care found that a combination of a behavioral health intervention with acamprosate and naltrexone therapy for alcohol-dependent patients saved an average of $3,800 per patient in societal costs when compared to medical management alone.  The study also found that the societal cost savings from combined therapy exceeded the initial cost of treatment within three years.

Zarkin, G.A., et al. (2010). The effect of alcohol treatment on social costs of alcohol dependence: results from the COMBINE study. Medical Care 48(5): 396-401. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0b013e3181d68859 http://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare/Abstract/2010/05000/The_Effect_of_Alcohol_Treatment_on_Social_Costs_of.2.aspx 

Authors: Gary A. Zarkin, Jeremy W. Bray, Arnie Aldridge, Michael Mills, Ron A. Cisler, David Couper, James R. McKay and Stephanie O'Malley