The Role of Alcohol Availability and Community-level Factors on Fatal and Non-Fatal Overdoses

Abstract

This study explores the dynamic interplay between alcohol and community health outcomes, focusing on the influence of alcohol outlets on fatal and non-fatal overdose risk across urban spaces. Central to this discourse is the recognition of the pivotal impact of opioids on drug overdose incidents within communities. Existing literature has laid the groundwork for understanding the complex web of factors contributing to overdose fatalities. However, gaps persist in our understanding of how the distribution of alcohol outlets across urban spaces interacts with other contextual variables to shape overdose risk at the local level. By employing geospatial techniques, this research seeks to bridge these gaps, shedding light on substance-related harms and informing targeted interventions tailored to specific communities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.