Prior Experiences of Discrimination and Early Termination of Substance Use Treatment Among Black and Hispanic Patients

What is it about?

Substance use problems are less prevalent among Black and Hispanic individuals than white individuals; however, Black and Hispanic individuals who use substances experience more substance use-related problems and impairments and are less likely to receive treatment. Discrimination is commonly experienced by Black and Hispanic individuals and has been associated with stress, depression and other mental health outcomes. We studied whether experiences with discrimination influence how Black and Hispanic adults end substance use treatment. Among Black and Hispanic adults in substance use treatment, a greater frequency of experiences of discrimination is associated with leaving treatment before their treatment team agrees to end that treatment.

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