How social identities (race/ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity) come together with stigma and compound one another to promote or exacerbate the development of a substance use disorder.

Sure, here is how intersectionality relates to substance use disorder risk and how social workers can address it:

Intersectionality and Substance Use Disorder Risk

Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social identities (race/ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity) and how these identities can overlap and amplify one another to create unique challenges and vulnerabilities. People with marginalized social identities may be at increased risk of substance use disorder due to a combination of factors, including:

• Discrimination and stigma: Experiencing discrimination and stigma can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and hopelessness, which can increase the risk of substance use as a coping mechanism.
• Socioeconomic disadvantage: Poverty, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and limited access to healthcare can contribute to stress and hopelessness, which can increase the risk of substance use.
• Community violence: Exposure to violence in one's community can be a traumatic experience that can lead to substance use as a way of coping.

Social Workers Addressing Intersectionality

When social workers work with clients who have co-occurring issues such as substance use disorder, mental illness, trauma, and poverty, a holistic and strengths-based approach is essential. This approach involves considering all aspects of the client's life, including their social, cultural, and economic background, as well as their strengths and resiliencies.

Here are two ways that social workers who work with clients with substance use disorders can address the impact of intersectionality:

• Culturally competent care: Develop and deliver culturally competent care that is tailored to the client's unique social and cultural background. This includes understanding the client's values, beliefs, and experiences, and using culturally appropriate language and interventions.

• Advocacy: Advocate for policies and programs that address the root causes of substance use disorder, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare. This could involve working with policymakers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create a more just and equitable society.

References

• Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D. R. (2018). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Eisenberg, M. E., Gower, A., Watson, R., Rider, N., Thomas, D., & Russell, S. (2022).Substance use behaviors among LGBTQ youth of color: Applying a novel method in two large samples to identify intersecting social positions bearing the greatest burden. Journal of Adolescent Health, 70(4), S98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adohealth.2022.01.105