Substance use and opioid-related stigma among Black communities in the rural South.

PURPOSE: This study examined perceived substance use, opioid knowledge, and barriers to Black people accessing treatment for substance and opioid use disorder (SUD/OUD).

METHODS

Thirty-nine participants completed the community survey and The Brief Opioid Overdose Knowledge questionnaire. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 stakeholders and 9 people with SUD/OUD.

FINDINGS: Out of 39 participants, <50 % knew where to refer someone for treatment and fewer knew where to access naloxone. Majority of the stakeholders and people with SUD/OUD reported stigma as a treatment barrier.

CONCLUSION

Studies related to provider anti-stigma trainings and psychoeducation for Black people living in the rural South are warranted.