Advances in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Interventions Among Racial, Ethnic, and Sexual Minority Populations

Abstract

Substance abuse research among racial, ethnic, and sexual minority populations historically has lagged behind that conducted with majority samples. However, interesting and potentially important advances in prevention, brief interventions, and treatment have been made in the last few years, at least among some minority populations, such as American Indian youth. New prevention efforts have focused on point-of-sale interventions for alcohol, as well as on family-unit interventions designed with subpopulation cultural values in mind. In addition, previously established evidence-based and culturally relevant interventions are being combined with computer technology. Empirical data support using brief interventions with patients of color in medical settings, capitalizing on teachable and reachable moments during a physical trauma or other health crisis. Finally, use of empirically supported treatment may be helpful, with a caveat that these interventions must appropriately match cultural traditions and respect the values of the clients. More research clearly is needed, especially among certain minority populations in the United States. A greater emphasis should be placed on developing novel, culturally grounded interventions in partnership with communities, in addition to adapting existing mainstream interventions for use by other cultures.

Figure 1

Implicit bias and its threat to working alliance. All people, including treatment professionals, are affected by implicit biases transmitted within our culture that may escape our personal awareness. Implicit bias makes the commission of microaggressions by staff and the experience of stereotype threat by minority clients more likely. This potentially harms the working alliance and undermines treatment outcomes.

Figure 2

Family-oriented interventions. Recent advances in effective prevention programs among subpopulations have focused on family-level interventions consistent with the strong cultural values about the importance of family in collectively addressing the needs of a family member.