An African American male was addicted to drugs, received treatment, an

An African American male was addicted to drugs, received treatment, and now needs to resist abusing drugs again. Which of the following barriers exist for this individual? (Select all that apply.)

a. Being arrested when caught rather than receiving treatment
b. Difficulty obtaining employment
c. Easy access to illegal drugs in the community
d. Economic rewards for selling or distributing drugs to others
e. Family demands, including children being physically active and noisy
f.
Pressure from drug-using friends to join them in social events

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: A, B, C, D, F
Barriers to treating substance abuse and addiction problems in African Americans include poverty, underemployment, and unemployment; prevalence of both drugs and liquor stores within the community; allure and economic rewards of selling drugs; more likely to be arrested than treated; and unable to “change people and places” as advocated by 12-step programs. Family demands, including children being physically active and noisy, has not been identified as a common barrier in the African American population.