Unpacking the Layers: Dismantling Inequities in Substance Use Services and Outcomes for Racially Minoritized Adolescents

Abstract

Minoritized youth have lower prevalence rates of substance use disorders (SUD) compared with White peers, but proportionally those that are diagnosed are less likely to engage in specialized care and there are few culturally responsive treatments or programs available. We examine social determinants of SUD, with emphasis on the impact of trauma, including racial trauma, and include an intersectional approach incorporating race, ethnicity, and gender. This review of the literature highlights evidence-based effective clinical practice as examples for the field in developing therapeutic approaches to SUD for this population.

Keywords: Access to care; Black, Latinx, and American Indian youth; Disparities; Substance use disorders; Systems of care; Youth of color.