Abstract
Opioid use is a major concern in the United States. Rural communities face even greater difficulties in addressing opioid use and related challenges. An appreciative inquiry was employed to assess the degree to which the opioid crisis has affected the rural region of Deep East Texas and to develop recommendations for a regional action plan. One hundred and eight participants attended eleven conversation cafés across the region. Response analysis revealed eight primary themes and 11 sub-themes. Community awareness and education are crucial in combating the opioid crisis, as some participants were unaware of the prevalence of prescription opioid abuse in the area. Respondents also indicated that those who become addicted to prescription opioids often turn to other illicit substances. Community members did not perceive opioids as a problem since they are usually obtained through prescriptions. Thus, the results demonstrate the gravity of the opioid use problem and the barriers to effectively addressing it.
Recommended Citation
Carbajal, Jose and Cooper, H. Stephen
(2026)
"Rural Voices on the Opioid Epidemic in Deep East Texas,"
Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice: Vol. 12:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/jhstrp/vol12/iss1/3
Included in
Community-Based Research Commons, Counseling Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, School Psychology Commons, Sociology of Religion Commons, Sports Studies Commons
Tell us how this article helped you.
