

A Mysterious Health Wave Is Breaking Out Across the U.S.
112 snips Dec 27, 2024
Joining the discussion is Charles Fain Lehman, a Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, who specializes in analyzing trends in drugs and violence in America. He addresses why the U.S. has high mortality rates compared to other wealthy nations. Surprisingly, he reveals a recent decline in drug deaths, murders, and obesity rates, hinting at a possible health wave. Lehman explores the paradox of rising drug accessibility despite declining overdose rates and analyzes how social disruptions during the pandemic might have influenced crime trends.
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Drug Waves of the 21st Century
- The 21st century saw escalating drug overdose deaths in four waves.
- These waves began with prescription drugs, followed by heroin, fentanyl, and a poly-drug crisis.
Hidden Drug Trends
- Drug overdose deaths seemed like a single exponential curve.
- Closer examination reveals distinct trends within the larger crisis.
Policy Successes and Drug Deaths
- Increased naloxone availability, medication-assisted treatment (buprenorphine), and supply-side interventions are potential policy successes.
- The decline in overdose deaths might be partially attributed to these policy changes.