The Opioid Crisis and the Black/African American Population: An Urgent Issue (2 credit hours)

Program Summary:  This course describes the impact of the opioid crisis on the Black/African American community and discusses challenges to prevention, treatment, and recovery.  The course includes national data on opioid misuse and offers an overview of evidence-based treatment practices and key strategies.  Medication-assisted treatment and psychosocial interventions are explored and include a review of methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and naloxone.

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, and therapists and it is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.  

“Book  Open the Course Reading Here.

Reading:  The Opioid Crisis and the Black/African American Population:  An Urgent Issue

Publisher:  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Course Objectives: To enhance professional practice, values, skills, and knowledge by exploring strategies related to the opioid crisis and the Black/African American population.

Learning Objectives:  Identify challenges associated with opioid misuse and OUD within the Black/African American community.   Compare MAT and describe differences in MAT treatment within the Black/African American community.  Describe the elements of a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to opioid misuse and addiction.  Describe the role of the faith leader as a trusted messenger in the Black/African American community.

Review our pre-reading study guide.

Course Available Until: April 30, 2025.

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1: In 2017, though Black/African Americans represented 12 % of the US adult population they made up ____________ of the sentenced prison population.
 
 
 
 
2: The opioid misuse rate among non-Hispanic Blacks is __________ the national population rate, about 4%.
 
 
 
3: From 2014-2017, among the non-Hispanic Black population drug overdose death rates involving all types of opioids increased, with the sharpest rise from _____________ (Figure 1 on page 5).
 
 
 
 
4: A study of emergency departments found that Black/African Americans are significantly __________ likely to be prescribed opioid prescriptions for pain from medical providers than White patients.
 
 
5: Data shows that Black/African Americans are "protected" from the opioid crisis due to lower access to prescription opioids.
 
 
6: One study based in New York City found that the residential area with the highest proportion of Black/African American and  Latino low-income individuals also had the highest _______________ treatment rate.
 
 
 
7: Which medication-assisted treatment places more burdens on the patient such as daily clinic visits, regular and random drug testing, employment disruptions, and counseling?
 
 
 
8: Which medication is stigmatized in many Black/African American communities as "just doing one drug for another drug."
 
 
 
9: Which medication-assisted treatment blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids and is not intoxicating or addictive?
 
 
 
10: Which is the best approach to addresses opioid misuse and addiction?
 
 
 
 
11: Health communication campaigns in the Black/African American community need to include
 
 
 
 
12: Entering a Black/African American community and sharing data and statistics that paint a negative picture of the population before establishing a trusted relationship is culturally
 
 
13: In some communities, faith-based organizations may
 
 
 
 
14: More education and awareness tailored to Black/African American communities and conveyed by ______________  is essential to create support for naloxone as a life-saving medication.
 
 
 
 
15: When creating a culturally relevant and diverse workforce, it is important that staffing of treatment centers reflect
 
 
 
 

In order to purchase or take this course, you will need to log in. If you do not have an account, you will need to register for a free account.

After you log in, a link will appear here that will allow you to purchase this course.

G.M. Rydberg-Cox, MSW, LSCSW is the Continuing Education Director at Free State Social Work and responsible for the development of this course.  She received her Masters of Social Work in 1996 from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago and she has over 20 years of experience.  She has lived and worked as a social worker in Chicago, Boston, and Kansas City.  She has practiced for many years in the area of hospital/medical social work.  The reading materials for this course were developed by another organization.

Course Available Until: April 30, 2025.
Filed under: Addiction, Cultural Competence, Opioids