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. 2020 Nov;39(7):857-861.
doi: 10.1111/dar.13058. Epub 2020 Apr 12.

Opioid-related overdose deaths among African Americans: Implications for research, practice and policy

Danelle Stevens-Watkins  1
Affiliations

Opioid-related overdose deaths among African Americans: Implications for research, practice and policy

Danelle Stevens-Watkins. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

Opioid-related overdose deaths among African Americans have only recently received national attention despite evidence of increase in death rates among this population spanning the past decade. Numerous authors have highlighted how the 'opioid epidemic' has largely been portrayed as a problem mostly affecting White America. The purpose of this commentary is to provide a synthesis spotlighting the unique structural and cultural considerations involved in research, practice and policy related to opioid use and treatment for opioid use disorders among African Americans. The commentary concludes with considerations for future research and practice intended to reduce deaths among this group.

Keywords: African American; Black; opioid; overdose.

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