Young adult substance use following involuntary job loss

This paper uses data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to study the relationship between job displacement and substance use among young adults. Results show that displacement is associated with increases in the probability of smoking cigarettes and drinking and the intensity of consuming alcohol and marijuana. Men, whites, and those who live with family/friends at the time of displacement are more likely to use hard drugs after job loss. Findings suggest that government policy designed to aid displaced workers should contain provisions to anticipate and respond to substance use disorders that may arise, particularly among younger job losers.