BHM: SUD Treatment in Black Communities
As Black History Month comes to a close, it is important to highlight not only the wins of the Black community but also the challenges that the community continues to face. According to a study conducted by the University of Southern California Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, Black individuals only seek treatment for alcohol and drug substance use disorders 18.6% of the time and are less likely to finish treatment for substance use disorders when compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This presents a challenge for the Black community. It has been shown that those in need are not seeking the proper care or not finishing through the care, which could lead to relapse. There are several ways that this gap in care can be addressed.
First and foremost, substance use programs must be culturally, racially, and ethnically appropriate to meet the needs of all those who seek treatment. The gap in care may also be fixed through cost-efficient and adequate healthcare. It is unlikely someone will seek or finish treatment for a substance use disorder if they are unable to afford the program or if the program does not adequately address the specific needs of the individual. In addition, when the sociodemographic characteristics of providers match those of individuals seeking care, patients are more likely to feel comfortable seeking care and more likely to feel that their concerns and needs are being addressed.
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