Dr. Ayana Jordan on Racism's Role in Substance Use Treatment
Episode Overview
Dr. Ayana Jordan emphasizes the need to understand racism as a factor influencing treatment outcomes Social determinants of health, such as access to insurance and housing, significantly impact substance use outcomes Researchers are urged to diversify study populations and collaborate with community-based organizations for equitable representation and inclusion The episode concludes with a call to action for reframing research approaches to consider racism and social determinants of health in addiction and mental health studies
I just can't continue to read papers that say, because you are socially classified as this group, that you don't benefit. It's not that somebody happens to be racialized as Black would make them not susceptible to benefit from a particular intervention.
Ever wondered how racism impacts substance use treatment? In this episode of 'Behind the Evidence', Dr. Ayana Jordan, MD, PhD, sits down with hosts Honora L. Englander, MD, and Marc R. Larochelle, MD, to explore this pressing issue. Dr. Jordan dives into her extensive research on racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol, cannabis, and illicit substance use treatment. She argues that it's not race itself but racism and social determinants of health—like access to insurance and housing—that shape treatment outcomes.
Dr. Jordan stresses the importance of considering these factors in addiction research. She urges researchers to diversify their study populations and work closely with community-based organizations. By doing so, they can ensure more equitable representation and inclusion in their studies. This episode is a call to action for anyone involved in addiction research or treatment to rethink their approach and consider the broader social context affecting their patients.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into how systemic issues like racism influence substance use treatment and what can be done to address these disparities. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a researcher, or someone affected by addiction, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of race, health, and addiction.