Prescription opioid misuse and abuse has plagued the United States for over the past decade. Almost 116 Americans die each day from overdosing on opioid-related drugs, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This thesis explores the impact of prescription opioid misuse on employment. Utilizing Medicaid data on opioid distribution per state as a proxy for the total population, this thesis finds prescription opioid distribution is positively correlated with unemployment rates at a state level. These results provide a more exact measurement of the economic consequences of the opioid epidemic, potentially inspiring the population and policymakers alike to strongly address this health crisis.
This paper synthesizes prevailing theories on optimal crime control, recidivism, and analyses of the determinants of drug use and offers suggestions to improve correctional efficiency through alternative means of drug prohibition punishments. It is likely that reduced crime rates, recidivism rates, inmate populations, and correctional costs without significant negative externalities could result from alterations in drug prohibition laws and enforcement policies. The decriminalization of all or most illicit drugs is suggested to be the most efficient means of controlling illicit drug use and should reduce the resources necessary for the maintenance of drug control policy.
Sexual violence is incredibly costly and devastating to both sexual assault victims and to society. Further, the issue of sexual assault has become increasingly prevalent on college campuses, with one in every five students being assaulted during their college careers. There are numerous factors contributing to the frequency and even existence of sexual assault, and it is the goal of this study to analyze a few of them. This study uses a censored regression model to analyze 18 different variables and their impact on reported sexual assault rates. Ultimately the study concludes that fraternity membership, athletics, and alcohol prevalence show a significant positive correlation with sexual assault rates, while sorority membership and percent female have a significantly negative correlation.
