OxyContin reformulation and drug-related-arrest rates, property-related crimes, child maltreatment and food pantry participation

Background Many policies at the federal and state level have been implemented to curb the opioid crisis. A signature policy, the OxyContin reformulation, was introduced in 2010. However, an increasing body of research has documented negative impacts of the OxyContin reformulation, such as a rise in heroin use and overdose deaths. Objective This study evaluates other unintended impacts of the OxyContin reformulation on the arrest rates for drug abuse violations, the arrest rates for drug offenses, the rates for property related crimes, child maltreatment and food pantry participation rate. Methods A difference-in-differences framework, event study specifications, and a state-year-level representative longitudinal sample to exploit cross-state variation in the OxyContin misuse rate prior to the reformulation. All specifications include state and year fixed effects, as well as state-level time-varying covariates, including demographic composition (e.g., population shares ages 0–19, 20–39, and 65+) and relevant state policy indicators. Results We find evidence consistent with a positive causal relationship between the OxyContin reformulation, arrest rates for drug abuse violations, and rates for motor vehicle theft. Conclusion Findings indicate that future drug policies should more carefully consider the various needs of opioid users and potential negative externalities following the implementation of new policies.