Drug Binges Spike with Arrival of Disability Payments, Study Says

[almaty 19]

Drug Binges Spike with Arrival of Disability Payments, Study Says

August 14, 2007

Research Summary

A study in California found that drug-related hospital admissions rose 23 percent in the five days of each month, an anomaly that researchers say is related to the arrival of monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) checks.

The study also found a 22-percent increase in drug-related deaths among SSI recipients at the beginning of the month. "SSI aid arrives on the first of the month and hospital admissions begin rising on the second, while SSDI aid arrives on the third of the month and the admissions surge begins on the fourth," said lead author Carlos Dobkin, Ph.D., of the University of California at Santa Cruz.

Researchers from the University of California at Santa Cruz and Texas A&M University said that the study indicated that drug-related medical problems and deaths -- as well as the stress on hospitals and medical staff -- could be reduced if SSI/SSDI payments were spread out over the course of the month rather than coming in one large lump sum. "Our results suggest that 'full wallets' can exacerbate impulse control problems," said author Steven L. Puller, Ph.D., of Texas A&M University.

Unlike SSI and SSDI payments, however, there appeared to be little relationship between drug use and arrival of federal Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) payments.

The study is published online in the Journal of Public Economics.

i use to be the coordinator of the intake for a pysch unit in a med-surgery hospital..not a surprise to me or anyone who has worked in the field..

[isleta521 5]

They needed a study to figure that out?

"Our results suggest that 'full wallets' can exacerbate impulse control problems," said author Steven L. Puller, Ph.D., of Texas A&M University.

Brilliant deduction Doctor

[Otto 83]

The same is likely true for Friday/Saturday nights - typical weekly pay/party date - for those not on government assistance... people get paid, they tend to party... such is life.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I never could understand why drug testing isnt a pre-requisite to benefits.

[Jasman0717 9]

They needed a study to figure that out?

The study probably received some sort of huge grant

[almaty 19]

yeap, i need to do a study....maybe the effects of chronic Meth usage on one's dental and gum health

[mawilson 2,133]

I never could understand why drug testing isnt a pre-requisite to benefits.

Because drug addicts are entitled to Social Security benefits just like everyone else.