University of Alabama

It is challenging to address OUD and mental illness in the targeted minority communities for several reasons. 1) The topic is not openly discussed; 2) OUD and mental illness are not considered issues that should be addressed; 3) African Americans (AA) fear incarceration for illegal drug dependency; 4) AA are double stigmatized by their minority status and SUD; and 5) Intergenerational substance use and polysubstance use are common among impoverished communities. Therefore, minorities are less likely to report trauma/mental illness and seek treatment for chronic pain, which can lead to self-medication with opioids and “street drugs” to cope with these problems. The purpose of this project is to increase awareness and eliminate stigma in rural minority communities, while bridging gaps in services for OUD and mental health disorders.