Rising Deaths of Despair Predate Opioid Crisis, Linked to Decline in Church Attendance

Researchers at Ohio State University have found that deaths of despair, including overdoses, suicide, and alcohol-related disease, began rising among middle-aged, less educated white Americans years before the opioid crisis. This trend closely tracks a decline in church attendance, suggesting that losing religious participation may have contributed to the problem. According to the study, the decline in church attendance started in the 1990s and accelerated in the early 2000s, with deaths of despair following a similar trajectory. The study, which analyzed data from the General Social Survey and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that the decline in church attendance was most pronounced among middle-aged white Americans with lower levels of education. This group experienced a significant decline in church attendance, from 73% in 1990 to 43% in 2018. During the same period, deaths of despair among this group increased by 65%. "We were surprised to find that the decline in church attendance preceded the opioid crisis," said Dr. Daniel Hungerman, lead author of the study. "Our findings suggest that losing religious participation may have contributed to the problem, perhaps by reducing a sense of meaning, identity, and community that can protect health." The study's findings have implications for understanding the complex factors that contribute to deaths of despair. While opioids have received significant attention in recent years, the study suggests that the problem may be more deeply rooted in social and cultural changes. "The opioid crisis is a symptom of a larger problem," said Dr. Hungerman. "We need to understand the underlying causes of deaths of despair and address them in a comprehensive way." The decline in church attendance is not unique to the United States. Many Western countries have experienced a similar decline in religious participation over the past few decades. However, the study's findings suggest that the decline in church attendance may have had a particularly pronounced impact on middle-aged white Americans with lower levels of education. The study's authors suggest that the decline in church attendance may have contributed to the problem by reducing a sense of community and social support. "Churches and other religious institutions often provide a sense of belonging and connection to others," said Dr. Hungerman. "When people lose this sense of connection, they may be more vulnerable to mental health problems and other health issues." The study's findings have significant implications for policymakers and public health officials. "We need to think about how to support communities and individuals who are struggling with mental health problems and other health issues," said Dr. Hungerman. "This may involve investing in community-based programs and services that promote social connection and support." The study's authors plan to continue their research on the relationship between church attendance and deaths of despair. They hope to explore the mechanisms by which church attendance may influence health outcomes and to identify effective strategies for promoting health and well-being in communities. In related news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a new initiative to address deaths of despair. The initiative, which was launched in response to the study's findings, will provide funding and support for community-based programs and services that promote social connection and support. The CDC's initiative is part of a broader effort to address the complex factors that contribute to deaths of despair. The agency has also announced plans to invest in research on the relationship between church attendance and health outcomes. As the study's authors continue their research, policymakers and public health officials are taking steps to address the problem of deaths of despair. The study's findings have sparked a renewed focus on the importance of community and social support in promoting health and well-being.