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Medicine and Health Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Community Health and Preventive Medicine

Thomas Jefferson University

2023

Drug Users

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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

I Don't Believe A Person Has To Die When Trying To Get High: Overdose Prevention And Response Strategies In Rural Illinois, Suzan M. Walters, Marisa Felsher, David Frank, Jessica Jaiswal, Tarlise Townsend, Brandon Muncan, Alex S. Bennett, Samuel R. Friedman, Wiley Jenkins, Mai T. Pho, Scott Fletcher, Danielle C. Ompad Jan 2023

I Don't Believe A Person Has To Die When Trying To Get High: Overdose Prevention And Response Strategies In Rural Illinois, Suzan M. Walters, Marisa Felsher, David Frank, Jessica Jaiswal, Tarlise Townsend, Brandon Muncan, Alex S. Bennett, Samuel R. Friedman, Wiley Jenkins, Mai T. Pho, Scott Fletcher, Danielle C. Ompad

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Overdose is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is now a major driver of opioid overdose deaths.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 participants (19 persons who inject drugs and 4 service providers) from rural southern Illinois. Data were analyzed using constant comparison and theoretical sampling methods.

RESULTS: Participants were concerned about the growing presence of fentanyl in both opioids and stimulants, and many disclosed overdose experiences. Strategies participants reported using to lower overdose risk included purchasing drugs from trusted sellers and modifying drug use practices by partially injecting …