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589. Why Has the Opioid Crisis Lasted So Long?

Freakonomics Radio

NOTE

Availability of Substances Encourages Use

The continuous increase in opioid overdose deaths over a 30-year period can be attributed to the concept of thick market externalities. This concept suggests that the availability of opioids can lead to more people using them. When individuals come across opioids easily, they are more likely to experiment with them, creating a chain effect that results in more opioid users. The presence of opioids in abundance can influence individuals to try them out, as opposed to facing challenges in obtaining them through illegal means or unfamiliar sources.

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