Date of Award

Spring 2023

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Department

Mathematics

Sponsor

Dr. Zeynep Teymuroglu

Committee Member

Dr. Mark Anderson

Committee Member

Dr. Martina Vidovic

Abstract

A novel application of compartmental modeling is used to quantitatively study the impact of call centers on influencing an individual’s mindset as they begin or attempt to recover from opioid addiction. The opioid epidemic in the United States has affected millions of Americans, especially in West Virginia. This project studies the effectiveness of call centers in increasing the rate of recovery from opioid abuse. An active response is characterized by an open mindset and acceptance of help from others, while a passive response is defined by a closed mindset and an unwillingness to believe in the real possibility of recovery. Since these mindsets are qualitative in nature, we offer a quantitative definition using data from HELP4WV, a call center located in the state of West Virginia. We then construct an SIR-type model that mimics the drug-using career on the basic assumption that the drug using population can be compartmentalized into five distinct groups: susceptible, using, assertive, passive, and recovered. The model presented is used to study the effect of call centers on increasing the use of an active mindset in recovery to increase long-term recovery rates. Our results derive the basic reproduction number, which is interpreted that so long as the sum of the rates of cessation of addiction are less than the rate of developing an opioid use disorder, the epidemic may be controlled. Existence of at least one endemic equilibrium is proven under specific initial state conditions.

Rights Holder

Liza Eubanks

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