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Article
Paradoxical effects of drug policy in a model with imperfect competition and switching costs
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization (2001)
  • Peter Skott, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
  • Gunnar Thorlund Jepsen
Abstract
This paper presents a stylized model of the market for hard drugs. We assume that there is imperfect competition, that the demand side is dominated by addicts, and that the presence of switching costs leads to consumer loyalty. Drug policies affect the values of the parameters of the model, including the degree of consumer loyalty and the static price elasticity of demand. Taking into account these effects, it is shown that tough policies may lead to an increase in the marketing activities by suppliers and cause a long-run increase in the number of addicts and total consumption.
Keywords
  • Drugs; Addiction; Consumer loyalty; Switching costs
Disciplines
Publication Date
April 12, 2001
Citation Information
Peter Skott and Gunnar Thorlund Jepsen. "Paradoxical effects of drug policy in a model with imperfect competition and switching costs" Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization Vol. 48 Iss. 4 (2001)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/peter_skott/62/