The opioid crisis in Black communities continues to wreak havoc on lives, with older Black men in Washington, D.C., facing the largest toll. Decades of systemic neglect, compounded by rising fentanyl contamination in the drug supply, have pushed this vulnerable group to the brink. Despite some initiatives, the problem persists, highlighting a dire need for comprehensive intervention.

This long-form feature explores the multifaceted dimensions of the opioid epidemic among Black men, the historical roots, the current challenges, and the urgent need for change.

The Scope of the Opioid Epidemic Among Black Men in D.C.

The statistics are staggering. From 2018 to 2022, over 2,200 Black men aged between 53 and 73 died from overdose-related incidents in Washington, D.C. This group made up nearly 38% of the city’s fatal opioid overdoses in 2022 yet represented only 4% of its total population. Much of this devastation can be attributed to fentanyl use, which contributed to 96% of these deaths.

Advocates warn that this isn’t just a modern crisis but one deeply rooted in inequity and historical neglect. “These men have been dying for decades as a direct result of opioid use disorder,” said Mark Robinson, a harm-reduction professional.

The Heroin Epidemic of the 1960s and ’70s

To understand today’s challenges within the opioid crisis in Black communities, one must look back at the heroin epidemic of the 1960s and 1970s. With heroin flooding into American cities post-Vietnam War, the drug infiltrated D.C.’s Black neighbourhoods, devastating communities already grappling with poverty and systemic discrimination.

Joe Henery, now 77, recalled times when heroin addiction swept through his neighbourhood like a storm. “It blew up in a matter of years. It opened Pandora’s box, and that box is still open today,” he said.

Lacking local government autonomy at the time, D.C. leaders could do little to address the surge in drug use. Instead of treatment-based approaches, Congress chose to focus on oppressive policing tactics. This zero-tolerance strategy not only failed to curb addiction rates but led to mass incarcerations that further marginalised communities.

A Lifetime of Addiction and Trauma

Many of the men most affected by the opioid epidemic among Black men today are survivors of that early heroin wave. Often carrying decades of hardship, they battle unrelenting trauma tied to poverty, incarceration, and societal neglect. Addiction specialist Dr Edwin Chapman labelled this persistent suffering as “collective post-traumatic stress disorder,” explaining how these men turned to drugs as a way to self-medicate.

“Most of our patients are using drugs because they’re trying to relieve mental health stress,” Dr Chapman noted. For many, their challenges also stem from environments shaped by violence, unemployment, and fractured family structures.

Fentanyl’s Deadly Role in the Opioid Crisis in Black Communities

Adding to the problem is fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has overwhelmed drug markets since the mid-2010s. Fifty times more potent than heroin, fentanyl is often added to other drugs, making it almost impossible for users to control dosages.

Lance Ward, 79, a survivor of D.C.’s heroin era, almost lost his life last year to fentanyl-laced drugs. “I used pure heroin back in the day, so I never thought something out there now could hurt. But all it takes is one mistake,” Ward reflected after waking up in a hospital bed.

For older Black men with decreased physical tolerance for opioids, fentanyl represents an almost certain death sentence.

Systemic Failures and Gaps in the Response

While D.C. has launched initiatives such as the “Live Long D.C.” programme, critics argue these efforts do not go far enough. Although Narcan distribution reportedly reversed 16,000 overdoses, activists claim the programme lacks targeted support for the vulnerable population of older Black men.

“They found $500 million to renovate the basketball arena,” said Dr Chapman, “but they can’t find the money to house these folks.” Stable housing, he emphasised, is a critical factor in recovery. Without it, many are unable to escape cycles of relapse and overdose.

There are also limits in current medical solutions. For years, insurers capped the dosage of buprenorphine, a drug proven to alleviate cravings. While restrictions were recently eased for Medicaid users, many private insurers still deny adequate coverage. “We’ve lost patients simply because they couldn’t get the dosage their bodies needed,” Dr Chapman said.

Advocacy Amid The Crisis

Local advocates and survivors have stepped up where government measures fall short. Groups like the Optimistic Gentleman and Ladies (OGs) offer peer support, conduct outreach programmes, and counsel younger generations about the perils of addiction.

Horace Fletcher, a former user who has been sober for 20 years, described the role the OGs play in connecting with others. “We don’t just want to talk to kids, but also to our own peers who are dying every day.” Yet Fletcher expressed concern over barriers like the housing crisis and the availability of safe spaces for older users.

Solutions for Mitigating the Opioid Epidemic Among Black Men

Experts caution that addressing the opioid crisis in Black communities requires more than distributing Narcan or increasing access to treatment. Tackling the root causes of addiction means addressing intertwined challenges of poverty, housing, job insecurity, and mental health support.

Advocates have proposed solutions including a registry for overdose survivors to ensure follow-ups, contingency programmes that provide financial incentives for sobriety, and expanding housing options for chronically homeless users.

“There needs to be a focused system dedicated to older Black men,” said health policy advocate Ambrose Lane Jr. “If all these aspects of their lives are not considered, they’ll keep falling through the cracks.”

A Shaken Generation

For many older Black residents, the opioid epidemic among Black men feels like a final blow in a lifetime of systemic struggles. Survivors such as Lance Ward say they’ve already lost countless friends. “It feels like every week, someone I knew dies of fentanyl,” he said.

Although recent data from 2024 suggests a possible decline in overdose rates, experts highlight a sobering reality. This downward trend may reflect fewer people left to die rather than effective intervention.

“For decades, these men have felt invisible,” said Robinson. “The city has to wake up and show these lives matter before it’s too late.”

Source: AFRO