Barriers to utilizing substance use disorder treatment and harm reduction services in Appalachia.

Abstract

Substance use progressively raises concerns across the United States. The Appalachian region has been noted for having substantial issues with substance use partly due to various diseases of despair and socioeconomic hardships. Research indicates that harm reduction services have proven beneficial in mitigating the causes and risks associated with substance use. This literature review explores the significant barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatments in rural Appalachia. A distillation of published, peer-reviewed empirical articles in English was performed by both authors. Selected articles included an analysis of barriers or obstacles to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment from Appalachian stakeholders. The most common barriers to accessing SUD treatment included real or perceived legal consequences, varying levels of stigma, access and resource issues, educational and awareness matters, and impacts stemming from social networks. The chief barriers to seeking SUD include legal repercussions, damaging stigmas, resource deficits, access limitations, and maladaptive social networks. Increased research on barriers to seeking SUD treatment in Appalachia would help with the delivery and efficacy of SUD treatments and harm reduction strategies. Public Health Significance StatementThis review of previously conducted research explores barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatments and harm reduction services in rural Appalachia. The most common barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatments and harm reduction services were potential legal consequences, stigma, lack of transportation, and lack of finances. More research and educational efforts are needed to increase access to these services in Appalachia.