Friends with Drugs: The Role of Social Networks in the Opioid Epidemic

Abstract

The current opioid epidemic is the worst drug epidemic the U.S. has ever faced. We examine the role of social connections in its spatial spread. Having many friendship links to counties with high opioid exposure positively correlates with overdose death rates. To establish causality, we exploit two quasi-natural experiments that led users to substitute prescription drugs with illegal opioids. Having more friends exposed to counties affected by these shocks leads to higher overdoses. Strong local social networks can mitigate such negative spillovers. At a general level, our results show how social connections can contribute to the spread of non-infectious diseases.

Note:
Funding Information: None.

Declaration of Interests: There are no competing interests for both authors.

Keywords: Opioids, Opioid Epidemic, Illicit Drugs, Social Networks, Social Connectedness Index

JEL Classification: I12, I18, K42