May 2nd 2024.
A recent study conducted by Ohio State University has brought to light a concerning link between unemployment and drug-related deaths among Black workers. The findings suggest that as job opportunities became available for this demographic, the number of opioid overdoses among them decreased, indicating a potential correlation between the two factors.
Published in the American Journal of Public Health, the study proposes that placing a greater focus on keeping Black Americans employed could have a positive impact on reducing drug use and ultimately preventing drug-related deaths. Sehun Oh, an assistant professor of social work at Ohio State University, shared his perspective on the issue, stating, "I approach this problem by viewing the drug epidemic as a disease of despair and examining how the local job market may have influenced this vulnerable population." Oh believes that understanding the economic context is crucial in comprehending the demand side of the story, as opposed to solely focusing on supply factors.
Co-author of the study, Miguel Cano, who is an associate professor of social work at Arizona State University, also contributed his insights. In the study, he mentions the various challenges faced by individuals who are disconnected from the workforce, such as collective frustration, hopelessness, family disintegration, and community violence and crime. Cano highlights how these issues can lead to drug use as a way to cope with psychological distress.
The study reveals that the Midwest and Northeast counties had the highest increase in drug mortality among Black Americans, particularly in areas with a lower median household income. It attributes this trend to economic restructuring and the influx of heroin and synthetic opioids in those regions.
According to the study, if just one additional job were available for every 100 Black workers, there would be 0.29 fewer drug overdoses per 100,000 drug overdoses nationwide. These findings are even more significant in areas with a high number of fentanyl overdoses. The study also notes that its results align with previous research that has established a positive relationship between employment and reduced drug mortality.
In terms of public health implications, the authors recommend implementing "geographically targeted interventions" to promote economic prosperity in low-income areas of the Black community. They believe that such efforts will help mitigate the impact of the opioid epidemic on Black individuals. The study suggests, "Improving employment opportunities for the Black workforce through job creation and workforce development may be effective in achieving this goal."
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