Opioid-related mortality in rural America: Geographic heterogeneity and intervention strategies

Over the last two decades, opioid-related mortality rates have increased dramatically to become a serious public health concern in the United States. Opioid-related mortality has reached epidemic levels in certain rural areas of the U.S., such as Appalachia, New England, and the Mountain West, while remaining relatively low in others, such as the Delta South and Great Plains. Explanations for geographic variation in opioid mortality are unclear, contributing to ineffective policies and interventions.
Source: International Journal of Drug Policy - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research