OPIOID ADDICTION DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES: SOCIOECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

Researchers from all across the world have closely examined opioid addiction deaths that result from drug consumption, including overdoses and addiction instances in industrialized economies. However, no recent study has included economic growth as a socioeconomic factor contributing to opioid addiction death in the United States. To close this knowledge gap, this study examines the relationship between socioeconomic variables such as unemployment and poverty and the level of education attained by residents who hold bachelor’s or higher degrees, as well as the US economy's growth. The US Census Bureau and the NCDAS's 2023 record provided cross-sectional data on opioid addiction mortality and socioeconomic characteristics in 51 US states. The results of the OLS regression model indicate a significant correlation between socioeconomic characteristics, such as economic growth, and the number of opioid addiction deaths. According to FMOLS, while traditional socioeconomic characteristics like unemployment and educational attainment play a significant role in the high number of opioid addiction deaths in the US, integrated economic growth dramatically lowers the number of opioid addiction deaths. Therefore, socioeconomic implications have both positive and negative effects on the prevalence of opioid addiction deaths. As a result, the US Food and Drug Administration should continuously raise awareness among the unemployed and educated addict population and provide funding for sustainable economic growth and development. These actions will eventually reduce the number of opioid addiction deaths in the United States.