"Now We Are Seeing the Tides Wash In": Trauma and the Opioid Epidemic in Rural Appalachian Ohio.

ABSTRACT: Background: Ohio's opioid epidemic continues to progress, severely affecting its rural Appalachian counties-areas marked by high mortality rates, widespread economic challenges, and a history of extreme opioid overprescribing. Substance use may be particularly prevalent in the region due to interactions between community and interpersonal trauma. Purpose/Objectives: We conducted qualitative interviews to explore the local context of the epidemic and the contributing role of trauma. Methods: Two interviewers conducted in-depth interviews (n = 34) with stakeholders in three rural Appalachian counties, including healthcare and substance use treatment professionals, law enforcement officials, and judicial officials. Semi-structured interview guides focused on

SUBMITTER: Schalkoff CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8276036 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature