The Impact of the 2008 Economic Crisis on Substance Use Patterns in the Countries of the European Union.

Geert Dom,Kristian Wahlbeck,Guido Van Hal,David Mcdaid,Jerzy Samochowiec,Sara Evans-Lacko

doi:10.3390/ijerph13010122

Abstract

Background: From 2008 on, a severe economic crisis (EC) has characterized the European Union (E.U.). However, changes in substance use behavioral patterns as a result of the economic crisis in Europe, have been poorly reflected upon, and underlying mechanisms remain to be identified; Methods: In this review we explore and systematize the available data on the effect of the 2008 economic crisis on patterns of substance use and related disorders, within the E.U. countries; Results: The results show that effects of the recession need to be differentiated. A number of studies point to reductions in population’s overall substance use. In contrast, an increase in harmful use and negative effects is found within specific subgroups within the society. Risk factors include job-loss and long-term unemployment, and pre-existing vulnerabilities. Finally, our findings point to differences between types of substances in their response on economic crisis periods; Conclusions: the effects of the 2008 economic crisis on substance use patterns within countries of the European Union are two-sided. Next to a reduction in a population’s overall substance use, a number of vulnerable subgroups experience serious negative effects. These groups are in need of specific attention and support, given that there is a real risk that they will continue to suffer negative health effects long after the economic downfall has formally been ended.

Highlights

Since 2008, a severe economic crisis (EC) has characterized the European Union (E.U.)
The results of the current overview illustrate that the effects of the economic crisis on changes in substance use patterns and their subsequent consequences are not unequivocal and are mediated by different factors
Identification of these factors may allow for identification of population subgroups, which are more vulnerable to the effects of economic hardship

Summary

Introduction

Since 2008, a severe economic crisis (EC) has characterized the European Union (E.U.). The countries most severely impacted were those countries whose banking systems have been most exposed to the economic crisis; i.e., Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain [1]. There is growing evidence that the effects are seen well beyond these countries impacting a broad set of social, economic and health domains [2]. It is within this context that the 2010 European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) Annual Report noted that economic slowdown has produced “fears that this may be accompanied by an increase in problematic forms of drug use”. Public Health 2016, 13, 122; doi:10.3390/ijerph13010122 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph

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