African-Americans used to be far less affected. But that has changed
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskAfrican-Americans were, for once, far less affected. But that has changed. In 2020 their rate of opioid-related deaths surpassed white people’s—the culmination of a grim trend some five years in the making.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more potent than heroin, brought a third wave. Though it is also a prescription painkiller, its illicit form—mainly made in Mexico with materials from China—has contaminated drugs. Its low cost and powerful high make it attractive: dealers can dilute the more expensive drugs they sell, such as cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine, while strengthening their effect.
George , a 55-year-old West Baltimore native, has struggled with addiction since he was a teenager. In the four decades since he was first handed powdered heroin wrapped in a dollar bill the landscape has changed: “You used to be able to get a quality bag of heroin. Now you have this synthetic drug out here on the streets everywhere.” He now uses fentanyl regularly and estimates he has overdosed on it four times in the past couple of years.
Poor people are more than twice as likely to die of opioid overdose. One-fifth of African-Americans live in poverty. Fully 40% of all homeless people and 38% of prisoners are black . These are all potent risk factors. And though an estimated 65% of America’s prisoners suffer from a substance-use disorder of some sort, there is little access to good treatment either during incarceration or upon release.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why are Brown, White or Black common surnames but not Red, Blue or Purple?The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts
Read more »
PERRIE SIAN BLACK V NECK SHIRRED WAIST MINI DRESSHow stunning does Georgia look in our Perrie Sian 'Black V Neck Shirred Waist Mini Dress'?! 😍 We love how she's dressed this down with sandals 🙌 Shop this style on our site or app now 📲
Read more »
Black Women Are Rediscovering The Joy Of Swimming (And I'm One Of Them)We're learning how to swim as adults – and loving every minute.
Read more »
White overtakes Kane with landmark goal and edges closer to Rooney's England recordEllen White completed a landmark half-century of international goals as England Women beat North Macedonia in a stunning 10-0 victory. In the World Cup qualifying match in Skopje, the Manchester Ci…
Read more »
Having a near-death experience taught me how to live betterAfter an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured, Georgina Scull spoke to people around the world facing death – and discovered the regrets they want us all to learn from
Read more »