While the average life expectancy has been rising worldwide over the past century, new research found the average life expectancy actually fell significantly in three countries where policy changes increased access to prescription opioids, alcohol or illicit drugs.
The study was led by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, based in Toronto. CAMH researchers identified considerable changes in life expectancy linked to substance use and related policies were identified in the U.S., the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Mexico.
"Our study shows that failed substance use policies can reverse life expectancy trends for large population groups or even countries," said first author of the study, Jürgen Rehm, PhD. "On the other hand, we also observed that effective policy changes are associated with substantial gains in life expectancy."
The findings highlight the need for effective substance use policies and public health interventions. To make sure policies and interventions are effective, the authors of the study provided the following five key principles to guide policy decisions.
1. Actively monitor disease burden and mortality associated with substance use to pinpoint when rapid changes in life expectancy occur and respond accordingly.
2. Design integrated substance use policies that consider public health as a whole, rather than solely on the individual.
3. Decriminalize substance use, and regulate the availability and affordability of substances.
4. Focus efforts on providing access to treatment and social assistance for heavy users and their families.
5. Help reduce the stigma associated with substance use, which acts as a barrier to seeking treatment, by treating it as a mental condition.
More articles on substance use and opioids:
Addiction medicine now recognized as a subspecialty: 6 things to know
HHS funnels $94M into the fight against opioid abuse
MHA CEO Lynn Nicholas commends state opioid legislation