Statistical Relationship Between Bitcoin and Synthetic Opioid Mortalities: Are DEA Enforcement Actions Aligning with Trends in Drug Related Deaths?

Abstract

Background: The intersection of cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, with public health issues, particularly synthetic opioid-related deaths, presents an emerging field of study. This research explores the statistical relationship between Bitcoin market fluctuations and synthetic opioid mortalities, against the backdrop of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforcement actions. Methods: Utilizing data from 2009 to 2022, this study employs Pearson correlation and linear regression models to investigate the relationship between annual Bitcoin price fluctuations and synthetic opioid-related death rates, alongside DEA domestic arrest trends. Results: A pronounced positive correlation (r = 0.92) was found between Bitcoin price changes and synthetic opioid mortality rates, with the Bitcoin price accounting for approximately 84.78% of the variance in opioid-related deaths (R² = 0.8478). The analysis also notes a disparity between increasing synthetic opioid fatalities and decreasing DEA domestic arrests. Conclusions: The findings reveal significant correlations between Bitcoin price fluctuations and synthetic opioid-related fatalities, highlighting potential gaps in current drug enforcement strategies. This study underscores the need for an interdisciplinary approach to address the complexities introduced by cryptocurrency in the opioid crisis and suggests the necessity of integrating financial and public health strategies to combat emerging drug abuse trends.