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Trends in the use of mind-altering drugs among European adolescents during the Great Recession

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  • Balbo, Nicoletta
  • Carapella, Piergiorgio
  • Toffolutti, Veronica

Abstract

Despite the growing evidence of health-responses to macroeconomic fluctuations, little research has been carried out on the economic reflexes of licit and illicit drug-consumption, especially among teenagers. This paper uses data on adolescents between 15 and 17 years old from 25 European countries to test, if and how, the substance-use pattern has changed during the Great Recession. The data come from two cross-sectional waves (2007 and 2011) of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) (n = 137,989 individuals). One percentage point increase in the unemployment rate is associated with an increase [decrease] in the probability of having tried inhalants and cocaine [ecstasy] at least once, by about 0.005 (95 % CI: 0.004, 0.006) and 0.001 (95 % CI: 0.0001, 0.001) [−0.001 (95 % CI: −0.001, −0.001)] respectively. Social protection expenditure reduces the use of inhalants, whereas ecstasy consumption rises. The pattern for cocaine is unclear.

Suggested Citation

  • Balbo, Nicoletta & Carapella, Piergiorgio & Toffolutti, Veronica, 2020. "Trends in the use of mind-altering drugs among European adolescents during the Great Recession," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(5), pages 568-574.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:124:y:2020:i:5:p:568-574
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.03.004
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    1. Hiilamo, Aapo & Hiilamo, Heikki & Ristikari, Tiina & Virtanen, Petri, 2021. "Impact of the Great Recession on mental health, substance use and violence in families with children: A systematic review of the evidence," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    2. Toffolutti, Veronica & Plach, Samuel & Maksimovic, Teodora & Piccitto, Giorgio & Mascherini, Massimiliano & Mencarini, Letizia & Aassve, Arnstein, 2022. "The association between COVID-19 policy responses and mental well-being: Evidence from 28 European countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).

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