Frequency and factors related to substance use among Black individuals aged 15–40 years old in Canada: The role of everyday racial discrimination.

Abstract

Objective: Despite evidence that Black individuals are confronted with various types of racial discrimination that put them at risk for alcohol and substance use disorders, no study in Canada has assessed the frequency and factors related to substance use in Black communities. This study thus aims to examine the frequency and factors related to substance use in Black communities in Canada. Method: A total of 845 Black individuals in Canada (76.6% female) completed questionnaires assessing substance use (i.e., alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs), everyday racial discrimination, resilience, religious involvement, and sociodemographic information. Multivariable regression analyses were used to determine factors related to substance use among Black individuals. Results: The findings showed that 14.8% (95% CI [8.60, 20.94]) of participants reported using any substance (i.e., alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs) in the past 12 months. Men reported a significantly higher frequency of substance use than women (25.7% vs. 11.1%; x 2 = 27.67, p < .001). Everyday racial discrimination (ß = .27, p < .001) and place of birth (born in Canada, ß = .14, p < .001) were positively associated with substance use, whereas it was negatively associated with religiosity, resilience, and gender (being a female; ß = −.08, p < .05; ß = −.21, p < .001; ß = −.12, p < .001). Conclusions: Racial discrimination is associated with substance use among Black individuals in Canada. The study findings inform potential prevention and intervention strategies by examining protective factors related to substance use (e.g., religiosity, resilience, gender) among Black individuals. Public Health Significance StatementFindings from this research reveal that more than one out of ten Black individuals in Canada use substances. This study demonstrates the importance of considering racial discrimination in substance use among Black individuals in Canada. It also shows the need to embrace an intersectional approach that includes gender, place of birth, age, religiosity, and resilience in the understanding of substance use among Black individuals in Canada.

Racial discrimination and substance use among people of color.

“…A plethora of studies has focused on the interpersonal aspects of racism, such as perceived racial discrimination. Cénat et al (2023) showed that perceived racial discrimination was significantly associated with greater substance use among Black adolescents in Canada. Their findings echo findings from across the globe, and in this commentary, we add insights into studying substance use among people of color.…”

“…As suggested by Cénat et al (2023), studying racial discrimination requires an eclectic use of theories. Researchers often point to the self-medication hypothesis to explain the association between perceived racial discrimination and substance use—that people use substances to cope with suffering (e.g., feelings that are painful, extreme, overwhelming, uncontrollable, absent, confusing; Khantzian, 1997).…”

“…

Objective: We provide insights into studying racial discrimination and substance use among people of color, in response to Cénat et al's (2023) findings from Black youth in Canada. Method: We discuss relevant literature on the topic.

…”