Cultural Issues with Opioid Use Disorders/Substance Use Disorders

This course will address the cultural issues, barriers, strengths and needs that may arise in substance use treatment settings. Students will gain a theoretical understanding of cultural competence models and related clinical applications in assessment and intervention. Students will gain an understanding of the potential strengths and limitations of implementation methods for cultural competence in SUD/OUD practice and will engage in a critical analysis of the available literature. Students will review epidemiological data specific to the prevalence of SUD/OUD and utilization trends for diverse cultural and identity groups. Concepts relating to race, ethnicity, racial and intergenerational trauma and the clinical relevance to SUD/OUD will be discussed. Specific manifestations of culture and sub-culture arise in the context of substance use disorders (e.g. spirituality, ritual, symbolism, language, art, music, dance, dress, politics and literature); specialized attention to the impact of these identities and evidence-based treatment strategies to navigating SUD-specific sub-cultures, will be reviewed.

Student will acquire a series of generalizable self-assessment, and organizational assessment and intervention tools that can be applied flexibly to address cultural needs across a myriad of clinical contexts aimed at addressing substance use and opioid use disorder. Students will also gain knowledge and examples of culture-specific interventions, and how inclusion of one's culture in treatment can improve accessibility, retention and outcomes for individuals in substance use treatment. Cultural and linguistic barriers will be addressed with specific attention to culturally accessible treatment for opioid use disorder. Students will develop an understanding of the unique impact of culture within substance use treatment contexts. Students will gain knowledge and skills relating to the application of evidence-based strategies to improve cultural competence in SUD/OUD practice settings.