According to the CDC, there will be more than 107,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2021. This number is staggering. Each number represents a unique life lost in an addiction crisis. It also raises the important question of who is most affected by this epidemic.
According to SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency, the BIPOC community is at the highest risk of developing addiction. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
Why do people with BIPOC experience addiction at a higher rate than others?
Stress, trauma, housing discrimination, racism, hate crimes, and organized pressure greatly increase the risk of developing addiction.
According to some studies, Black people in particular are at risk of addiction. Over the past five years, opioid-related overdoses have increased among black Americans. Blacks accounted for 43% of his total overdoses during this period. This is especially offensive since blacks make up only about 12% of the general population.
People with BIPOC also face barriers when seeking treatment. These barriers can take the form of familial stigma, cultural stigma, limited access to healthcare, systemic discrimination, regulatory barriers, and more.
We are doing our part to remove these barriers and make it easier for the BIPOC community to access the resources they need. We have compiled a list of resources to help you on your road to recovery. Below are tools to help you find addiction treatment, reach out to a trained crisis counselor, or find a culturally sensitive therapist.
General addiction resources for the BIPOC community
Mental health resources:
- therapy for black men: This rapidly growing directory of 135 therapists and 27 coaches across 50 states judges Black men with the goal of breaking down the stigma that asking for help is a sign of weakness. We provide non-intrusive, multiculturally appropriate care.
- therapy for black girls: This space was developed to showcase mental health topics in a more accessible and relevant way. They provide a directory of resources, guides and mental health practices run by black women for black women.
- latino therapy: This resource provides self-help techniques and links to finding a culturally sensitive therapist. It was created with the goal of breaking down the mental health stigma in the Latinx community.
- good for culture: A grassroots initiative aimed at restoring and revitalizing the health and wellness of indigenous peoples.
- Loveland Foundation: A non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to black women and girls seeking therapy.
- mental health foundation: This fund provides financial assistance to increase access to mental health treatment for QTBIPOC individuals.
children and college students
- Concerned American Black Man: This organization connects children of color to mental health resources and role models. We offer programs for parents on career development and adult literacy.
- young people of color: An online support community for young people of color, including daily check-ins, celebrations, icebreakers, Q&A, and more.
- protect mental: A community space created by the WOC to educate young people on the subject of mental health and enable them to practice and protect their mental health on a daily basis.
- WeRNative: A comprehensive health resource for native youth, by native youth. This resource promotes overall health and positive growth through teachings of Aboriginal culture, history, and current events.
- Native American Youth Center: a national education and advocacy organization that works with indigenous youth under the age of 24 in reservations, rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being. .
LGBTQ+
- YMSM + LGBT Center of Excellence: This organization provides culturally sensitive, evidence-based prevention and treatment services to minority lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people dealing with comorbid substance use and mental health disorders. I’m here.
- Queer and Trans Therapist for the National Network of People of Color: This organization is committed to transforming the mental health of queer and trans people of color.
- Trevor Project: A national organization focused on protecting the black community and providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to all LGBTQ+ youth.
- house of regeneration: This housing initiative aims to assist black trans women by providing housing services and community programs.
- LGBTQ psychotherapist of color: This directory matches QTBIPOC individuals with certified therapists within the community. The site also provides networking, support, and community-building opportunities for counseling professionals.
