SPR DIVERSITY NETWORK COMMITTEE INVITED SYMPOSIUM: DISPARITIES IN THE SYSTEMIC RESPONSE TO THE US OPIOID ABUSE CRISIS

The misuse and abuse of opioids in the United States continues to be a significant public health concern as drug overdose remains the leading cause of accidental death among adults^1-3 from diverse cultural backgrounds. Though it remains unclear whether there are significant racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of opioid use disorders, it is clear from the literature that racial and ethnic disparities exist with regard to access to and utilization of opioid treatment⁴. From a prevention science perspective, there are clear areas of concern related to the systemic response to the opioid abuse crisis that must and can be addressed to help address and reduce disparities. The focus of this symposium will be to discuss (1) disparities in access to care for opioid use and opioid use disorders; (2) differential systemic (e.g., health, law/justice, education) response to the opioid epidemic compared to other substances of abuse; and (3) how the systemic response to may perpetuate racial and ethnic disparities in particular. Discussion points will center on current gaps in prevention and potential opportunities for prevention efforts to approach the opioid crisis from a cultural perspective.