Friday, November 4, 2022 at 3:10pm to 4:30pm
Friday, November 4th, 2022
Department of Economics
Faculty Research Presentation
Presenter: Abby E. Alpert - Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Title: "Opioid Use and Employment Outcomes: Evidence from the U.S. Military"
Time: 3:10 - 4:30PM EST
Location: RBC 271
Abstract: There is significant interest in understanding the labor market consequences of the opioid epidemic, but little is known about how opioid use impacts on-the-job performance. We analyze the impact of opioid initiation in the emergency department (ED) on workforce outcomes in the Military using linked medical and administrative personnel data for active duty service members. Exploiting quasi-random assignment of patients to physicians in the ED, we find that assignment to a high-intensity opioid prescribing physician increases the probability of long-term opioid use and leads to subsequent negative effects on work capacity, job performance, and productivity. We also analyze the mechanisms underlying these negative workforce outcomes. While opioid use does not negatively affect measures of physical job performance, we find large increases in behavioral problems which lead to disciplinary actions and job separation.
Jee-Hun Choi, Economics Seminar Series Coordinator, jec720@lehigh.edu
