Opioid abuse is the fastest growing substance abuse problem in the nation and the primary cause of unintentional drug overdose deaths. This study examined the rural-urban prevalence of non-medical use of pain relievers and heroin in the past year and the socio-economic characteristics associated with their use as well as treatment history and perceived need for treatment; perceived risk of using drugs; and other risky behavior. Rural opioid users were more likely to have socio-economic vulnerabilities that might put them at risk of adverse outcomes, including limited educational attainment, poor health status, being uninsured, and low-income. Rural heroin users—especially men and those in poor health—were less likely than urban to say there was a great risk in trying heroin only once or twice.
Contact Information:
Jennifer Lenardson, MHS
Maine Rural Health Research Center
Phone: 207.228.8399
jennifer.lenardson@maine.edu