ASF Resource Guide

V arious studies, such as ones from the Gateway Foundation and the American Addiction Centers, re- port that African Americans experience lower rates of substance use than other races. However, there are a number of statistics that are staggering when analyzing usage rates within this commu- nity. Between 2015 and 2016, the rate of overdose deaths grew by 21 percent across the overall popula- tion, yet it increased by 40 percent among African Americans. Because of historical and systemic injustices, factors such as poverty, homelessness and incarceration affect Black people at higher rates than other races. Each of these is a significant risk factor for sub- stance use andmental health disorders. During periods of widespread use of crack cocaine during the drug epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s, the substance presented greater points of distress, especial- ly for inner-city families. It has since been known to disproportionately affect Black communities. During the 1990s, the increasing severity of the prescription drug crisis did not primarily af- fect African Americans. This was due, largely, to the healthcare disparity in doctors’ approach to treating pain among Black people. They were prescribed opioids less frequently than white patients. Though rates of drug use have decreased significantly since then, crack Addressing Substance Use in the Black Community

cocaine still continues to be a drug of choice for users within the Black community. Once cocaine and fentanyl were wedded, there began an explosion of overdose deaths among African Americans from these drugs. As with many other issues throughout the U.S., Black people are impacted at higher rates. Difficulty in accessing quality care is a barrier people seek- ing help tend to face. Laws and policies surrounding incarceration and approaches to addiction and mental health treatment must be exam- ined. Further, the Black community has endured racial profiling, police

brutality and unequal professional opportunities that can all lead to stress among individuals. This stress can manifest into depression, anxiety or other emotional effects that can be powerful catalysts for substance use disorders. Studies have shown that African Americans drink less often than white people. However, when individuals within this group do drink, they consume alco- hol in larger amounts, making them more susceptible to binge drinking.

As solutions are sought to address substance abuse disorders specifically within the Black community, there must be attention placed on looking at cultural differences that exist between providers and their clients that could affect the success of treatment. Multicultural staff and board members can help to ensure a program can relate to the experi-

ences of individuals of the Black communi- ty. This can provide a voice of advocacy for a program’s potential clients and work specifically to bring their needs to policy and lawmakers and funding committees.