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Causes and Consequences of Illicit Drug Epidemics

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  • Timothy J. Moore
  • Rosalie Liccardo Pacula

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy J. Moore & Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, 2021. "Causes and Consequences of Illicit Drug Epidemics," NBER Working Papers 29528, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:29528
    Note: CH EH LE PE
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    Cited by:

    1. repec:mhe:chemon:2023-09 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Graham, Francis W. & de New, Sonja C. & Nielsen, Suzanne & Petrie, Dennis, 2023. "Revisiting the OxyContin Reformulation: The Role of Licit Substitutes," IZA Discussion Papers 16653, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Evans, William N. & Garthwaite, Craig & Moore, Timothy J., 2022. "Guns and violence: The enduring impact of crack cocaine markets on young black males," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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