African American Substance Use

Abstract

This discussion identifies the prevalence, correlates, and adverse consequences of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) used by African Americans, with a special focus on African American women. Efforts to prevent substance use and abuse and the nature and effectiveness of treatment are also addressed. Several complex issues and limitations that relate to African American AOD prevention and treatment are addressed, including the following: inappropriate research methodologies, the paucity of culturally competent research teams, and the misinformed assumption of homogeneity of the African American population.

Correlates of Problem Drinking and Drug Use in Black Sexual Assault Victims

“…Recently, scholars have argued for the importance of acknowledging that socioeconomic status may play an important role in understanding sexual victimization for Black women (Richie, 2012;Tyagi, 2001;West, 2013). For instance, Black women who are poor are more likely to live in impoverished communities where they experience heightened levels of violence as well as sexual assault (West, 2013).…”

“…According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2011), women who report the use of illicit drugs are more likely to be single, have less than a high school education, and have less social support mechanisms. In addition, they are more likely to experience traumatic life events (Turner & Wallace, 2003). Researchers suggest that one reason for the relationship between sexual assault and substance use in women is that such strategies are used as a method of self-medication of assault-related distress (Boyd, Baliko, Cox, & Tavakoli, 2007;Davis, 1997;Miranda et al, 2002).…”

“…Research suggests that the use of alcohol (Cooper, Frone, Russell, & Mudar, 1995;Ullman et al, 2005;Veenstra et al, 2007) and drugs (Davis, 1997;Turner & Wallace, 2003;Young & Boyd, 2000) are common methods of coping with sexual victimization. Alcohol can serve as a coping function in two ways: (a) by reducing stress and anxiety and (b) by serving as a distraction and diversion from problems in one's life (Cappell & Greeley, 1987).…”

“…Despite the fact that studies have looked at the impact of drug/alcohol use on the outcomes of victimization for women, they have yet to examine how other factors such as traumatic life experiences impact outcomes, particularly for Black women. Turner and Wallace (2003) suggest that many treatment programs overlook the fact that Black women have unique life circumstances (e.g., trauma, racism) that may influence the effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment programs. The purpose of this study is to examine factors that may influence alcohol and drug use in Black women who are sexual assault survivors.…”

“…Furthermore, women who use alcohol and/or drugs may have difficulties in the recovery process (Turner & Wallace, 2003) including susceptibility to revictimization (Najdowski & Ullman, 2011). Despite the fact that studies have looked at the impact of drug/alcohol use on the outcomes of victimization for women, they have yet to examine how other factors such as traumatic life experiences impact outcomes, particularly for Black women.…”