Genetic testing for risk also fails to address existing disparities in treatment and outcomes. Although white people are most likely to experience opioid use disorder, overdose rates are disproportionately increasing in Black populations. This is partially due to inequitable access to safe and effective medicines like Naloxone, which can prevent overdose deaths. A 2021 study found that women, Black adults, people who were unemployed, or those living in nonmetropolitan areas were significantly less likely to access opioid use disorder medications. Using a biased genetic screener could exacerbate these disparities.
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