Introduction
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines special emphasis populations as groups facing particular risks from alcohol consumption based on personal characteristics such as age or gender. This paper discusses recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) among diverse populations, highlighting major elements contributing to our knowledge on this subject. Special emphasis populations include underage youth, emerging adults, older adults, women, individuals with co-occurring disorders, and racial and ethnic minorities, who all encounter unique challenges and barriers to recovery.
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Challenges Faced by Minority Populations
Marginalized minority groups, such as racial/ethnic minorities and sexual minorities, experience limited economic and social capital due to social and environmental injustices, leading to health disparities (NIAAA, 2021). Various social determinants, including material hardship, residential segregation, stigma, discrimination, and disparities in medical care, significantly impact recovery trajectories among these populations (NIAAA, 2021). These disadvantages create environmental challenges that pose an additional layer of complexity to successful recovery from AUD, making the elimination of health disparities a pressing environmental justice issue.
Role of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in Recovery
AA, a widely known and used support system for individuals in recovery, plays a crucial role in helping people abstain from alcohol and improve their overall well-being. The program has been adapted to be more culturally and linguistically appropriate for diverse minority groups, such as Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic/Latinx communities (NIAAA, 2021). However, despite its wide reach, minority populations are still less likely to avail themselves of AA compared to non-minority populations (Tonnigan, Connors, & Miller, 2023). Further research is needed to understand how different minority populations use or adapt AA, and how AA practices vary among them, considering characteristics that may influence the likelihood of benefiting from AA.
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Research Priorities for Recovery Among Diverse Populations
NIAAA has identified research priorities to understand post-treatment recovery among diverse populations. Studies are needed to explore the neurobiological, psychological, environmental, and social factors influencing recovery, as well as the trajectories of recovery in subgroups with different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds (NIAAA, 2021). Additionally, comparing the utilization and impact of AA with other recovery support services, such as Wellbriety and SMART, among minority populations can provide valuable insights into tailoring interventions for different communities.
Conclusion: Recovery from AUD among diverse populations presents unique challenges influenced by social determinants, environmental hardships, and cultural factors. To promote equitable recovery outcomes, it is crucial to address the specific needs and barriers faced by each special emphasis population. Further research on recovery trajectories among minority populations is essential for understanding their experiences and designing effective interventions. By addressing the root causes of health disparities and supporting culturally appropriate recovery support services, we can foster a more inclusive and effective approach to recovery for all individuals.
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References
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (2021). Recovery among special emphasis populations. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7721369/
Tonnigan, J. S., Connors, G. J., & Miller, W. R. (2023). Participation in Alcoholics Anonymous by minority populations. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 45(1), 67-73. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2023.04.005