Three Essays on Illicit Drug Use, Crime, and Child Welfare

The United States devotes significant resources to the control of illicit drugs. In particular, much of U.S. drug policy has focused on decreasing illicit drug supply to accomplish two goals: first, as a means to increase drug prices, and second, to reduce drug use, drug-related crime, and other factors related to drug use, such as child abuse and neglect. However, surprisingly little is known regarding the effectiveness of the measures employed by the United States in reducing use, and in diminishing other factors related to drug use. In this dissertation, I exploit two interventions in the methamphetamine market to examine the effectiveness and effects of supply-side interventions, as well as the relationship between drug use, crime, and child health.