If you’re interested in sharing your opinion on any cultural, political or personal topic, create an account here and check out our how-to post to learn more.

____

The issue of substance use disorder (SUD) in Black communities is full of contradictions. On one hand, substance use among African Americans is no worse than the general population (roughly equal, in fact), and those who need treatment are actually more likely to get it than their non-Black peers.

But in contrast, African Americans are much more likely to discontinue treatment early, which decreases the likelihood of long-term recovery. And despite comprising just 12.5% of illicit drug users, fully one-third of those incarcerated for drugs are Black, demonstrating a clear disparity in society’s methods for dealing with substance use between Black and non-Black people.

That’s why treating addiction in Black communities isn’t just about solving a drug problem. It’s about changing the community dynamics, resolving inequities in how we address it, and breaking the generational cycle of addiction and the trauma that fuels it.

To have any chance at success, we must first overcome a history of mistrust within the Black community, instilled by previous healthcare atrocities, a legacy of broken promises and inconsistency in service. Solving the problem requires changing attitudes toward treatment and the future for Black communities.

As providers, we must be active, engaged and involved in the community. Here are seven boots-on-the-ground strategies I’ve put to work in my own community to create real, measurable change:

Andy Ansola

Writing since March 2022 · 1 story contributed