‘Opioid Crisis’ Accelerates Decline in Young Americans’ Labor Force Participation

A new study conducted by Alan Krueger has proven that opioid use is responsible for the reduced share of American men in the U.S. labor force, reports Bloomberg.

The study states that the “opioid crisis” and reduced labor force participation are intertwined in many parts of the U.S.

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The study examines labor force participation rates and workforce data over the past 15 years, concluding that differences in the number of prescriptions issued in various regions are caused by variations in medical practice, rather than health conditions. In a previous study, it was revealed that nearly half of working-age men outside the labor force take prescription painkillers daily.

Krueger’s research also confirms the results of previous studies that attribute the decline in the labor force since the early 2000s to an aging population, and young people choosing further education over work.

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Economists have begun to pay more attention to the increased issuance of prescriptions for painkillers and their connection to the historically low labor force participation rate. The unemployed are more likely to abuse analgesics, and some even commit crimes stemming from their addiction, thereby diminishing their chances of employment.