Economic Despair and Substance Abuse

Communities hit hardest by economic decline show the highest rates of drug abuse, creating what experts call 'deaths of despair.'

• Overdose deaths peaked at 107,000+ annually

• Rural and post-industrial areas most affected

• Unemployment and drug abuse rates strongly correlated

• Mental health services often unavailable in struggling communities

Every 1% increase in unemployment correlates with a 3.6% increase in overdose deaths