An Agent-Based Social Impact Theory Model to Study the Impact of In-Person School Closures on Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use among Youth

Substance use behavior among youth is a complex peer-group phenomenon shaped by many factors. Peer influence, easily accessible prescription opioids, and youth’s socio-cultural environment play recognized roles in the initiation persistence of nonmedical opioid use. By altering physical surroundings social youth, in-person school closures may change risk factors for drug Acknowledging past research on importance presence peers substance behavior, this paper reports findings from an agent-based simulation grounded impact theory to investigate possible impacts due COVID-19 prevalence youth. The presented model integrates data Ontario Student Drug Use Health Survey characterizes accessibility within-home opioids. Under status quo, lifting reliably entails increase with use, but effect ameliorated if opioids are securely stored during period.