Understanding how COVID-19 affected drug use and overdose risks in rural Appalachia
Dealers, Detectives, and People Who Use Drugs: Triangulating Perspectives to Understand COVID-19’s Impact on the Rural Appalachian Drug Market and Mitigate Downstream Overdose Risk
This study looks at how COVID-19 has changed the drug scene in rural Appalachia, especially with more people overdosing on fentanyl, and it gathers insights from dealers, law enforcement, and users to find ways to help keep everyone safer during these tough times.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10678905 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of COVID-19 on the drug market in rural Appalachia, particularly focusing on the increase in overdose deaths linked to fentanyl. By gathering perspectives from dealers, law enforcement, and individuals who use drugs, the study aims to identify how the pandemic has altered drug availability and usage patterns. The researchers will analyze data and conduct interviews to understand these changes and develop harm reduction strategies to mitigate overdose risks. This work is crucial for addressing the heightened vulnerability of individuals in these communities during the pandemic.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals who use drugs, particularly in rural Appalachian regions affected by the opioid epidemic.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use drugs or are not affected by the opioid crisis may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective harm reduction strategies that decrease overdose risks for individuals using drugs in rural areas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding local drug markets and implementing harm reduction strategies can effectively reduce overdose rates, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vickers-Smith, Rachel — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Vickers-Smith, Rachel
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.