How meth and opioids together affect overdose, risky sex, and treatment in rural Appalachia
Examining the Impact of the Twin Epidemics of Methamphetamine and Opioid Use on Overdose, Risky Sex and Treatment Engagement among PWUD in Two Rural Appalachian Cohorts
This project finds out how using meth alongside opioids changes overdose risk, injection and sexual risks, and chances of getting treatment for people who use drugs in rural Appalachian communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11078669 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you use opioids or meth in Appalachia, researchers will follow people from two long-running local groups to better understand real-world experiences. They will ask about when and how people start using meth, whether they inject or share equipment, unprotected sex, and any overdoses or treatment for substance use. Staff will collect this information over time through interviews, follow-up contacts, and linkage to medical or death records when available. The work aims to identify patterns that could help tailor prevention, harm reduction, and treatment outreach in the region.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who currently use opioids or methamphetamine, especially those who inject or live in rural Appalachian counties and are willing to join ongoing follow-up.
Not a fit: People who do not use opioids or meth, live well outside the Appalachian study area, or are unwilling to take part in interviews and follow-up are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide programs that reduce overdoses and risky behaviors and improve access to treatment in rural Appalachian communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cohort studies have successfully tracked drug use and linked harms, but combining two Appalachian cohorts to focus on meth-opioid co-use is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Havens, Jennifer R — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Havens, Jennifer R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.