College

Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Date of Last Revision

2026-04-28 12:34:04

Major

Political Science

Honors Course

N/A

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2026

Abstract

This research studies how the opioid crisis deepened partisan divisions in Ohio from the late 1990s to the present. By investigating political responses from both policy-makers and voter behavior following the introduction of OxyContin. This study will focus on the relationship between addiction and overdose rates, which influences those ideological divides. Using qualitative research, such as political rhetoric and legislative responses, and quantitative research, such as election results, to find a correlation between the opioid crisis and partisan polarization. This project aims to highlight how politically motivated decision-making can prevent proper bipartisan responses.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Phil Marcin

First Reader

Professor Steven Caraboolad

Second Reader

Dr. Alexis Ortiz

Honors Faculty Advisor

Dr. Ronald Gelleny

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

Community Engaged Scholarship

No

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.