Gender and Diversity Issues in Substance Abuse
The source, pattern of use, and impact of substance abuse and dependency
differ between genders, among ethnic groups, and for a variety of unique
contextual factors that identify the individuality of each person. For example,
it may be considered taboo for a woman to stop at a bar to have a drink at
lunch, whereas a male may not be viewed as doing anything wrong. Such
identification is also met with stigma and prejudice, both of which create
significant barriers to self-acceptance and understanding by others when one is
dealing with an SUD. Stigma is observed when mothers with substance use
disorders are blamed for addiction with statements such as “choosing to
use drugs over taking care of their kids” are made in public forums.
Another example is African Americans disproportionately represent more than
two-thirds of the federal prison population, but only account for 25% of the
American population. These are examples of cultural and gender differences.
Historically, research and treatment have focused on heterosexual males
representing the predominately White U.S. culture. Unfortunately, the results
have been a treatment system that primarily caters to those who represent the
majority. Granted, changes are occurring with the development of women’s
programs and more diversity in the treatment workforce, but problems still
exist and some clients may be missing out on the type of understanding that
leads to successful recovery.
This week, you will learn more about a variety of differences that are
affected by stigmas and stereotypes which, unfortunately, create obstacles to
prevention, assessment, and treatment of SUDs.
RESOURCES
Concepts of
Chemical Dependency Ninth Edition by Harold E. Doweiko
Drug use
among racial/ethnic minorities. (2003). National Institute on Drug Abuse.
National
Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Health Disparities.
National
Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Women and Sex/Gender Differences Research
Program.
Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Women, Children and
Families Training and Technical Assistance
Examine
Multicultural Issues Related to Substance Abuse and Addiction
Instructions
For this task, imagine that you were asked to prepare a
presentation at your local public health center to increase their multicultural
awareness of substance use disorder. You will address physicians, nurses,
social workers, and public health workers. Differentiate the causes, course of
substance use disorder, and other factors that influence drug use in at least
three ethnic groups. Be sure to note differences between men and women in
general, and within these various subgroups.
Prepare a written
lecture.
Length: Written Lecture: 5-7 pages
Resources: Your presentation should draw on the resources listed for
this week, as well as 3 three articles published in peer-reviewed journals
in the past 5 years. In addition to these specified resources, other
appropriate scholarly resources, including older articles, may be included.
Your presentation should
demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the
course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic.
Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards.
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