Hispanics, Addictions, and the Opioid Epidemic: Brief Report

Abstract

Opioid addiction is a public health concern. Opioid overdose death rates account for one third to a half of all global substance-related deaths. Opioid mortality rates increased nearly fivefold in the United States between 1999 and 2016. Recent research has found health care disparities in the United States among minority populations with opioid use disorder, particularly Hispanics. Current literature also suggests that a number of social and cultural factors, including the stigma linked to mental illness and treatment in the Hispanic culture, may further negatively contribute to the problem. This brief report pays close attention to the opioid epidemic in the United States and addresses issues related to the crisis among Hispanics. Recommendations for clinical practice, research, and health care policy are also discussed.