Opioid Use Disorder Within African-American Homeless Population

Opioid Use Disorder Within African-American Homeless Population
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Opioid Use Disorder Within African-American Homeless Population
Living in Phoenix, Arizona, in Maricopa County is interesting because of the diverse amenities, parks, and picnic areas. The area has a rich history passed down from one family to another and documented in the diverse museums, including OdySea Aquarium, Phoenix Art, ASU Art, and Heard, confirming why it earned the name Valley of the Sun. Besides these historical elements, Phoenix has distinguished itself through its numerous branching street patterns, affluent suburbs, and mega shopping malls. Pfeiffer et al. (2020) indicate that these have risen from the heavy investments of the city in the transportation and housing sector. Despite these transformations, downtown Phoenix is a stark contrast to the dominant image of the area. Its mushrooming homeless population has brought dynamic issues, including substance abuse. Thus, this windshield survey seeks to assess opioid use disorder among homeless African-Americans aged 25-34 years in downtown Phoenix.
A walk through the crowded streets reveals a concerning situation in the region. The roadsides and paths are filled with hundreds of camping tents and shack-like containers, representing the homes of many Phoenix residents. These structures indicate that the homeless population in Phoenix, Arizona, has increased. One can see more people camping in public spaces despite the government and other stakeholders’ efforts to address the problem. For instance, Braatelien (2023) reports that the city is currently grappling with a homeless population of approximately 3,333 people, a rise of about 7% from the 3,096 recorded in 2022. Concerns emerge from the increased vulnerability of these individuals engaging in substance abuse, with African Americans being the most at risk for using opioid drugs. According to LeCroy & Milligan Associates (2023), the Phoenix metro area tops the entire county in fatal overdose with a rate of approximately 49% between 2019 – 2021. Such a situation informs the hypothesis for this study that there is an increased risk for homeless African Americans to abuse opioids in Phoenix, Arizona. Investigating the factors influencing this challenge will be fundamental to inform appropriate intervention strategies.
Phoenix City has numerous resources dedicated to the homeless and individuals suffering from opioid abuse.