Epidemic: An Analysis of Factors of the Opioid Crisis

Table of Contents

Introduction
A costly struggle
Incarceration level and GDP levels relation to overdose ranks
Conclusions
Reference

Introduction

After the FDA approved the use of opioid drugs in 1995, many companies have multiplied their revenues through sales. It led to citizens becoming more and more dependent on painkillers. The narcotic properties of opioid drugs have led to the onset of an opioid epidemic since 2000, including increased overdose deaths. The thesis reviewed aimed to analyze regulatory and socioeconomic factors of the Opioid Crisis.

A costly struggle

It was declared a public health emergency by President Trump, although it was costly from an economic standpoint. The struggle against the opioid epidemic was estimated at nearly 500 billion dollars a year (Wang, 2018). In an economic context, opioid drugs can be compared with conventional other products, then the law on supply and demand applies to it as well. In other words, there is a direct connection between the state of the opioid market and the rate of overdose deaths.

Incarceration level and GDP levels relation to overdose ranks

The author also identified the connection between incarcerated persons level and overdoses number. Every 100,000 incarcerated persons result in 100 fewer overdoses (Wand, 2018). In addition, an increase in GDP and prescription rate increase lead to the overdose number growth. In other words, an increase in citizens income affects the overall ranking of overdose deaths (Wand, 2018). This is because the population has the opportunity to purchase and use substances. Although, according to some reports, highly addictive substances, such as opioids and others, have a stable level of demand, thus, they do not depend on income indicators.

Conclusions

As a result, one may conclude that the opioid crisis is of epidemic proportions. Unfortunately, there is no quick solution because, despite their destructive qualities, opioid-containing drugs can be found on the market. Some national initiatives could improve the situation, such as bans and control measures. In addition, the main conclusion was that the level of GDP affects the rate of deaths from overdose. Accordingly, the lower the incomes of citizens, the less there would be use and overdoses.