Kentucky and Rhode Island experienced some of the highest rates of fatal opioid overdoses in 2013, while simultaneously suffering from some the worst rates of unemployment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
More researchers should focus on the effects of drug use and unemployment for future policy-relevant research instead of only analyzing the reasons behind the magnitude of this issue, she said. “An intervention or policy to prevent possible increases in illegal drug use cannot be properly designed when it is unknown which mechanisms this intervention or policy should target.”
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
