Illicit Drugs and the Decline of the Middle Class

Empirical evidence for the U.S. suggests that illicit consumption of opioids increases in association with socio-economic deprivation middle-class. To explore underlying mechanisms, we set up a task-based labor market model endogenous mental health status and care system. The decline tasks were historically performed by middle class associated share mentally distressed workers. Mentally workers can mitigate their hardships intake drugs or consuming goods. We argue explaining rise drug use among requires an interaction falling opioid prices, i.e. one factor isolation is insufficient. Our analysis also points to central role Extending could motivate abstain from consumption.