Locational and Contextual Attributes of Opioid Overdoses in New Jersey

ABSTRACT

The opioid crisis has resulted in unprecedented rates of overdose, yet much remains unknown about the locational and contextual attributes of overdose events. This study aimed to identify settings of nonfatal opioid overdose and their individual and community level predictors. Data from 3,326 overdose events show that residences are the most common overdose setting. Compared to overdoses occurring in residences, outdoor overdoses were more likely in communities with higher area deprivation index and population density, and overdoses in nonresidential settings were more likely among unhoused individuals. Findings demonstrate the need for comprehensive, yet tailored and localized approaches to overdose prevention.

KEYWORDS:

• Harm reduction
• naloxone distribution
• OEND
• opioid overdose
• opioid use disorder
• overdose prevention

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to Rutgers University. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the funding agency.