State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Policies and Substance Use Rates

Abstract

Introduction. Food insecurity is associated with the development of substance misuse and use disorders (SUD). This study sought to estimate associations between state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility policies and substance-related outcomes. Methods. 2014-2017 SNAP Policy Database and 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health state-level estimates were used to estimate associations between state SNAP eligibility policies and alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid misuse, illicit drug use disorder (IDUD), SUD, and needing but not receiving SUD treatment. State SNAP policies included those that 1) do not disqualify individuals with a felony drug conviction from SNAP and/or 2) expand SNAP eligibility by increasing the income limit or removing the asset test. Analyses were conducted January-May 2023. Results. States that adopted both SNAP eligibility policies had reduced rates of AUD (adjusted rate ratio (aRR): 0.92; 95% CI0.86, 0.99), opioid misuse (aRR:0.94; 95% CI0.89, 0.98), IDUD (aRR:0.91; 95% CI0.85, 0.98), SUD (aRR:0.91; 95% CI0.85, 0.97), and needing but not receiving SUD treatment (aRR:0.92; 95% CI0.87, 0.98) compared to states with neither policy. Among states that did not adopt increases to the income limit or removal of the asset test, those that removed the felony drug disqualification had lower rates of IDUD, SUD, and needing but not receiving SUD treatment, compared to those that maintained a disqualification. Conclusions. Expanded SNAP eligibility could help reduce rates of substance misuse and SUD. Opting out of the federal disqualification on SNAP participation for those with felony drug convictions may be particularly beneficial.