Generational Toxins: Substance Abuse Dynamics in Birth Cohorts of High-Income Countries

Adarsh ., University of St Andrews
Enrique Acosta, Centre for Demographic Studies
Mikko Myrskyla, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
Hill Kulu, University of St Andrews

The surge in deaths related to drug and alcohol, commonly referred to as substance abuse, stands out as a prominent feature in affluent societies of the twenty-first century. Vulnerable groups in both demographic and social class structures are identifiable in most high-income countries. Although substance abuse mortality is a highly sensitive yet extensively researched topic, it is typically studied within an age-period framework that impacts specific age groups at distinct points in time. From a demographic standpoint, it is crucial to examine all potential temporal shifts in mortality attributed to substance abuse. Not only since substance abuse behaviour is deeply rooted in socioeconomic dislocations but also in generational disparities that shape health behaviour. In this study, we undertake a comparative analysis of various high-income countries, considering their cohort susceptibility to substance abuse. Furthermore, we track changes in susceptibility to each substance type, providing insights into potential cohort-based mechanisms. We conclude by delineating shared patterns in cohort susceptibilities and their alterations across high-income nations, speculating on their implications for understanding substance abuse behaviour.

Keywords: Mortality and Longevity, Data visualisation , Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See paper.