Recovery Unplugged Examines Addiction among Minorities during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month 2020

Examining Addiction among Minorities in America
Dominic Nicosia

Written By

Dominic Nicosia

July marks National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, an event established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services to examine the impact, causes and sustaining factors of mental health issues affecting racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. The initiative also explores the unique barriers these groups face when they endeavor to access care.

This month, which also happens to occur in the midst of one of the most significant and impactful civil rights movements in recent American History, Recovery Unplugged will be taking a look at how the cycle of addiction, from causes to consequences, disproportionately impacts minority communities in the United States, and taking a look at how we can begin to systemically rectify the problem.

By the Numbers: A Snapshot of How Addiction Affects Minorities in America

Across the board, racial and ethnic minority communities in the United States face unique challenges regarding addiction and treatment access:

  • SAMHSA’s 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that 1.1 million Hispanic/Latino youth used illicit drugs in the past year, including 208,000 who misused opioids in the past year, and that 92 percent of Hispanic/Latino youth with a substance use disorder did not receive treatment in a specialty facility.
  • Despite relatively uniform rates of substance abuse among racial and ethnic populations, there is a disproportionate rate of drug arrests among the Black Community. Although these gaps have narrowed, they still represent a significant threat to the mental health and quality of life of this population.
  • Data from the University of Pennsylvania indicates that members of the Black and Hispanic communities are less likely than White patients to complete addiction treatment, due largely to socioeconomic factors.
  • The American Psychological Association reports that, although efforts have been made to improve access to addiction treatment among minority communities as a whole, comparatively little has been done to specifically help Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders.

In addition to ethnic and racial minority groups, Americans who identify in the sexual minority are also at an increased risk of substance use disorder and face their own unique barriers to treatment and potentially lifesaving care.

We Can and Must Do Better

Recovery Unplugged remains committed to helping all who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction find the care they need to regain their health, dignity and quality of life. This month, we are dedicated to examining these complex issues while assuring affected members of these communities that there’s a path forward to recovery. If you or someone you care about is a member of a minority group in the United States and is struggling with addiction, Recovery Unplugged is ready to do everything we can to help you heal.

Dominic Nicosia

Dominic Nicosia

Dominic Nicosia, a seasoned content writer, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the realm of healthcare writing, particularly in the addiction care field. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Professional Writing from the University of the Arts Philadelphia (2009), Dominic has carved a niche for himself with over seven years of specialized writing experience in addiction care.

As the Senior Content Writer at Recovery Unplugged, Dominic is entrusted with the pivotal role of curating and overseeing the online blog, ensuring its alignment with the highest standards of accuracy, relevance, and trustworthiness. His responsibilities extend beyond the blog, encompassing all written communications within the Marketing domain. From articles and thought leadership pieces to web content, Dominic's penmanship is evident in every written facet of Recovery Unplugged.

Dominic's credibility is further enhanced by his contributions to esteemed publications like Austin Fit Magazine, where he delves into critical topics such as drug use, addiction, recovery, and mental health. His writings not only reflect his profound understanding of the subject matter but also resonate with readers, offering insights and guidance. Outside the professional sphere, Dominic's passion for music is evident. He has been writing and playing music for years, showcasing his versatility and depth as a writer and artist.

Dominic Nicosia stands as a beacon of expertise and credibility in the healthcare writing community. With a deep understanding of his subject matter and a commitment to accuracy, he consistently delivers content that is both informative and reliable, meeting the highest standards of quality and trustworthiness in the industry.


Experience

  • Proven track record in managing and enhancing online blogs, articles, and thought leadership pieces.
  • Adept at blending his passion for music with his writing, offering a unique perspective on topics.


    Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Professional Writing from the University of the Arts Philadelphia (2009).
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