Is Objective Risk All That Matters When It Comes to Drugs?

Jonathan P. Caulkins, Carnegie Mellon University Heinz School and Qatar Campus
Ryan Menefee, Carnegie Mellon University Heinz School

Abstract

Many more people die each year from alcohol and tobacco use than from illicit substance use, yet the American public appears far more concerned about illegal drugs. This paper suggests that some of this mismatch in concern may stem from differences in the types of deaths created, with deaths associated with illicit drugs being, on average, "scarier" to the public than are the deaths associated with legal substances. Hence, the mismatch between actual risks and public concern is not necessarily entirely wrong or irrational, but rather may embody stable preferences.

Recommended Citation

Caulkins, Jonathan P. and Menefee, Ryan (2009) "Is Objective Risk All That Matters When It Comes to Drugs?," Journal of Drug Policy Analysis: Vol. 2 : Iss. 1, Article 1.
DOI: 10.2202/1941-2851.1005
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jdpa/vol2/iss1/art1

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