Understanding African American Men and Systemic Barriers
Systemic barriers can significantly impact African American men's quality of life. These barriers can create severe stressors and increase their risk of developing mental health and substance use disorders. Understanding how systemic barriers impact African American men in substance abuse and mental health treatment can help clinicians address and combat these challenges.
Homelessness
African Americans experience higher rates of homelessness compared to Whites. African Americans represent 13 percent of the general population, but make up 37 percent of individuals experiencing homelessness (NAEH, 2023). In addition, over 50 percent of African American families with children experience homelessness.
Unemployment
African Americans experience high rates of unemployment. In 2020, the unemployment rate in the U.S. averaged at 8.1 percent. In that same year, 11.4 percent of African Americans were unemployed compared to 8.9 percent of Native Hawaiians, 8.7 percent of Asians and 7.3 percent of Whites (BLS, 2021). In addition, between 1973-2020, African American men were more likely to be unemployed compared to any other racial or ethnic group.
Food Insecurity
African American households are more likely to suffer from food insecurity when compared to the general population (Dennard, et al., 2022). In 2022, about 23 percent of African Americans in the United States were faced with food insecurity, almost two and half times the rate of Whites.
Lack of Trust in the Healthcare System
African Americans may avoid seeking and receiving treatment due to their distrust in the healthcare system (NAMICA, 2020). When they do seek treatment, they have higher rates of being misdiagnosed (MHA, 2020) and are less likely to receive adequate treatment, resulting in poor treatment outcomes (NAMI, 2023).
Hear the Lived Experiences of African American Men
Jamal is a 43 year old African American male who has been in treatment a number of times for Heroin use and Major Depressive Disorder. He shares about living in poverty and lacking quality healthcare. Jamal also shares about his counselor's inability to understand his challenges and their lack of support in treatment.
Tariq is a 38 year old African American male who has a been in treatment for Percocet abuse and Major Depressive Disorder. He shares about experiencing food insecurity, lack of housing, and employment. Tariq also shares about feeling unsupported in treatment.
*Pseudonym names were used for confidentiality purposes.*
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Description and Audio Caption
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African American Men in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment:
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Opioid related deaths have increased among African Americans.
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Symptoms of major depressive disorder in African Americans are more severe, prolonged, and debilitating.
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African American men face many systemic barriers such as lack of housing, food insecurity, lack of employment, and lack of trust in the healthcare system.
