Recognizing and addressing microaggressions in addiction treatment groups: An integrated approach

Abstract

In this article, the authors draw from multicultural orientation, broaching, and antibias microintervention frameworks to describe an integrated approach to addressing microaggressions during addiction treatment groups. A case study is provided to illustrate the approach and implementation considerations are outlined. K E Y W O R D S broaching, addiction, group therapy, microaggressions RECOGNIZING AND ADDRESSING MICROAGGRESSIONS IN ADDICTION TREATMENT GROUPS: AN INTEGRATED APPROACHIndividuals from racial/ethnic, sexual, and gender-transgressive minority groups are at an increased risk for substance use problems when compared to their White, heterosexual, and cisgender counterparts. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 6.1 million racial/ethnic minorities age 18 years or older have a substance use disorder (SUD), while 2.6 million lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States also live with various SUDs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2020). When seeking treatment, prior research suggests that counseling outcomes among these individuals may be adversely affected by discrimination and microaggressions experienced during the counseling process (Constantine, 2007;