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Opioid Use and Employment Outcomes: Evidence from the U.S. Military

Author

Listed:
  • Abby E. Alpert
  • Steve Schwab
  • Benjamin D. Ukert

Abstract

There is significant interest in understanding the labor market consequences of the opioid epidemic, but little is known about how opioid use impacts on-the-job productivity. We analyze the impact of opioid initiation in the emergency department (ED) on workforce outcomes in the Military using linked medical and administrative personnel data for active duty service members from 2008 to 2017. Exploiting quasi-random assignment of patients to physicians in the ED, we find that assignment to a high-intensity opioid prescribing physician increases the probability of long-term opioid use and leads to subsequent negative effects on work capacity, job performance, and productivity. We also analyze the mechanisms underlying these negative workforce outcomes. While opioid use does not negatively affect measures of physical job performance, we find large increases in behavioral problems which lead to disciplinary actions and job separation.

Suggested Citation

  • Abby E. Alpert & Steve Schwab & Benjamin D. Ukert, 2022. "Opioid Use and Employment Outcomes: Evidence from the U.S. Military," NBER Working Papers 30110, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:30110
    Note: EH LS
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure

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