Exploring Race in Addiction Treatment and the Need for an Anti-Racist Approach

Authors

Jackie D. Dell, Eastern Michigan UniversityFollow
Mei TangFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5546-7319

Author Biography

Dr. Jackie Dell is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Dell previously served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Toledo, and prior to this, completed her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Cincinnati.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

anti-racism, racial health disparity, substance use treatment, anti-racist counseling, anti-racist pedagogy

Subject Area

Addictions Counseling, Counselor Education

Abstract

Extensive literature documents that Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color (BIPOC) have been historically and systematically discriminated in addiction and substance use disorder treatment and services. This systemic oppression is the result of the creation and intersection of multiple systems that are rooted in White supremacy, which continue to fail to recognize racism as a critical factor in health disparities. The complexities of the structural factors that contribute to these racial health disparities, and opportunities to better address these disparities were reviewed to discuss their impact on BIPOC clients and the necessity for anti-racist approaches to addressing addiction in clinical practice and counselor training. Anti-racist clinical practice and training to promote anti-racist approaches based on the review were discussed and implications for future research are suggested.

Public Significance Statement

All counselor trainees are expected to have some training related to substance use disorders and addiction, but the way in which they are trained is not standardized. Due to the complex relationship of addiction with multiple systems where systemic racism is well documented, including the healthcare, criminal justice, and education systems, it is important to consider how to best prepare counselors to address well-documented racial health disparities related to substance use disorders when training them about addiction counseling.

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/wq5ei3gf

Recommended Citation

Dell, J. D., & Tang, M. (2025). Exploring Race in Addiction Treatment and the Need for an Anti-Racist Approach. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 19(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/wq5ei3gf