The Big Picture

The opioid epidemic in the United States has predominantly been framed as a crisis affecting White, Non-Hispanic rural and suburban communities. However, there has been a significant rise in opioid-related overdose deaths among Black and Hispanic communities in urban areas. This disparity in attention has led to a lack of culturally sensitive intervention strategies and policies tailored to these minority communities, despite their increasing rates of opioid overdoses.

Listen to Discussion About This Research

What We Did

The study reviewed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Multiple Cause of Death database, analyzing opioid-related deaths from 1999 to 2017. The data was categorized by year, state, drug type, race, and ethnicity, focusing on the trends among Black and Hispanic populations compared to White, Non-Hispanics. The study aimed to highlight the disparities in the impact of the opioid epidemic and explore culturally sensitive policy recommendations for minority communities.

1

Rising Overdose Deaths in Minority Communities:

– From 1999 to 2017, opioid-related overdose deaths in Black, Non-Hispanic communities rose from 1,130 to 5,513 deaths, and in Hispanic communities from 1,058 to 3,932 deaths.

– Age-adjusted overdose rates increased significantly, with Blacks experiencing a rise from 3.5 to 12.9 overdoses per 100,000 population, and Hispanics from 3.5 to 6.8 overdoses per 100,000.

2

State-Specific Disparities:

In 2017, states like the District of Columbia, Illinois, and West Virginia saw Black, Non-Hispanics leading in opioid overdose rates, surpassing the national average.

3

Drug Type Trends:

– Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, have driven the increase in overdose deaths, especially among Black communities, where rates jumped 90-fold from 1999 to 2017.

– Prescription opioid overdoses also increased, though disparities in prescribing practices may have contributed to the higher illicit opioid use in minority communities.

4

Disparities in Government Response:

The response to the opioid epidemic in White communities has been largely rehabilitative, contrasting with the punitive approaches of the past “War on Drugs” in minority urban communities.

The data reveals a critical oversight in addressing the opioid epidemic’s impact on Black and Hispanic communities, highlighting the need for equitable and culturally sensitive responses. Without acknowledging these disparities, minority communities may continue to suffer from inadequate prevention and treatment options, exacerbating health inequities.

1

Culturally Sensitive Treatment Solutions:

Implement treatment approaches that consider the unique cultural experiences of minority communities, including faith-based rehabilitative programs.

2

Increase Affordable Treatment Access:

Expand the availability of cost-effective, community-based treatment options, and improve accessibility for uninsured and underinsured populations.

3

Establish Prescription Monitoring Programs:

Develop uniform prescription monitoring programs and improve reporting standards to better track opioid prescriptions and overdose patterns across all communities.

About the Study

This research underscores the importance of inclusive policy-making that addresses the needs of all populations affected by the opioid epidemic. By exploring the racial and ethnic disparities in overdose rates and the differing government responses, the study calls for a shift towards more equitable health interventions for Black and Hispanic communities. The full APA citation is: Drake, J., Charles, C., Bourgeois, J. W., Daniel, E. S., & Kwende, M. (2020). Exploring the impact of the opioid epidemic in Black and Hispanic communities in the United States. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 0 (1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050324520940428