Addressing the Social and Ethical Challenges in the Drug Overdose Epidemic Among African American People through Tailored Resources and Messaging

Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis:

Nearly 300 people die every day from drug overdoses. The burden has disproportionately impacted certain populations, such as African American people. Social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic inequities and lack of access to support and health care, further exacerbate the challenges faced by African American people. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study was conducted to better understand the intersection of health equity and drug overdose among African American people and gather more information about their informational needs and preferences.

Methods:

A total of 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with African American people who use drugs. These interviews were 60 minutes in length and gathered information about general knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding drug use in African American communities; access to harm reduction and treatment programs and services; and messaging and dissemination needs and preferences regarding overdose prevention.

Results:

Findings suggest that most participants learned about drugs from watching their family members and friends use drugs. Trauma (abuse and neglect), incarceration, lack of education, and discrimination were found to impact drug use. Stigma was one of the largest impediments to seeking support and treatment, leading to feelings of shame and hopelessness. Additionally, participants felt it was vitally important that information about drug overdose prevention needed to come from people with lived experience in recovery.

Conclusions:

Communication and/or educational materials and resources regarding drug overdose prevention can address these issues to help prevent drug overdose among African American people.

Implications for research and/or practice:

Study findings could inform the development of tailored messaging, materials, and dissemination methods to address health equity issues around drug overdose and African American people.