Working Paper: NBER ID: w22610
Authors: Samuel R. Bondurant; Jason M. Lindo; Isaac D. Swensen
Abstract: In this paper we estimate the effects of expanding access to substance-abuse treatment on local crime. We do so using an identification strategy that leverages variation driven by substance-abuse-treatment facility openings and closings measured at the county level. The results indicate that substance-abuse-treatment facilities reduce both violent and financially motivated crimes in an area, and that the effects are particularly pronounced for relatively serious crimes. The effects on homicides are documented across three sources of homicide data.
Keywords: Substance Abuse; Crime; Treatment Facilities
JEL Codes: I12; K14; K42
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Opening of an additional SAT facility (R53) | Reduction in felony-type crimes (K42) |
| Opening of an additional SAT facility (R53) | Reduction in intentional homicide rates (K00) |
| Opening of an additional SAT facility (R53) | Reduction in aggravated assaults (H56) |
| Opening of an additional SAT facility (R53) | Reduction in robbery rates (K42) |
| Changes in crime rates (K42) | Changes in number of SAT facilities (R53) |