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Harm Reduction: When Does It Improve Health, and When Does it Backfire?

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  • John Cawley
  • Davide Dragone

Abstract

Some harm reduction strategies encourage individuals to switch from a harmful addictive good to a less harmful addictive good. This approach is controversial, with advocates claiming it helps switching to a less harmful substance, and opponents claiming it may lead to new substance abuse. This paper builds on theories of addiction to model the introduction of a harm reduction method, and it demonstrates when each side is correct, depending on the enjoyableness of the harm reduction method, the addictiveness of the harm reduction method, and the substitutability with the original addictive good.

Suggested Citation

  • John Cawley & Davide Dragone, 2023. "Harm Reduction: When Does It Improve Health, and When Does it Backfire?," Working Papers wp1181, Dipartimento Scienze Economiche, Universita' di Bologna.
    • Handle: RePEc:bol:bodewp:wp1181
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeff DeSimone & Daniel Grossman & Nicolas Ziebarth, 2023. "Regression Discontinuity Evidence on the Effectiveness of the Minimum Legal E-cigarette Purchasing Age," American Journal of Health Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 9(3), pages 461-485.
    2. Abouk, Rahi & Adams, Scott, 2017. "Bans on electronic cigarette sales to minors and smoking among high school students," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 17-24.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rosanna Smart & David Powell & Rosalie Liccardo Pacula & Evan D. Peet & Rahi Abouk & Corey S. Davis, 2023. "Investigating the Complexity of Naloxone Distribution: Which Policies Matter for Pharmacies and Potential Recipients," NBER Working Papers 31142, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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    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
    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory

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