Work

Causes and Consequences of Illicit Drug Epidemics

Year: 2021

Type: report

Abstract: Large and rapid upswings in illicit drug use display similar properties to infectious disease epidemics.In this chapter, we review research to understand what causes drug epidemics and how they end.Drug market actors are subject to both positive and negative reinforcement that lead to rapid, nonlinear increases and decreases in drug market activity.There is evidence that drug epidemics cause serious problems, including drug overdoses, adverse birth outcomes, homicides, lower educational attainment, and migration from neighborhoods subject to intense drug market activity.Many of these costs are borne by those who do not consume or sell drugs.Given the frequency, size, and impacts of illicit drug epidemics, they deserve more attention by researchers and policy-makers.

Source: National Bureau of Economic Research

DOI: 10.3386/w29528

Authors: Timothy Moore, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula

Institutions: National Bureau of Economic Research, Purdue University West Lafayette, University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Australian Research Council, National Institute on Drug Abuse