Study finds income protection policies can play a vital role in curbing fatal drug overdoses, particularly amid rising numbers fueled by synthetic opioids.
Drug-involved overdose deaths increased by over 500% in 2022, mainly attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and heroin.
Income protection policies were found to have a supportive role in preventing fatal drug overdoses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data from 2014 to 2020 showed that states with more robust unemployment insurance benefits had lower fatal drug, opioid, and stimulant overdoses.
Treatment disruptions and harm reduction organization closures during the pandemic may have worsened substance use morbidity and mortality.
The study calls for broader discussions on the protective role of safety net programs in buffering drug-related harms.
A study conducted at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that drug-involved overdose deaths increased significantly, with trends largely attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl and heroin. Income protection policies were found to play a supportive role in preventing fatal drug overdoses. The study, published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, analyzed data from 2014 to 2020 and highlighted the impact of robust unemployment insurance benefits on reducing fatal overdoses from any drug, especially opioids and stimulants.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated economic hardship, leading to an increase in overdose deaths. Research indicated that states and counties with limited safety net policies may increase vulnerability to developing substance use disorders. The study emphasized the importance of discussing the protective role of safety net programs in preventing drug-related harms. The findings suggest that higher unemployment benefits were associated with reduced drug overdose mortality both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need for broader discussions on the impact of income protection policies on preventing fatal drug overdoses.
