Substance Use Policy and Practice

Abstract

Substance use remains a common condition for youth from all racial and ethnic groups and all socioeconomic statuses. Although minoritized and other marginalized youth use substances at similar rates as white youth, minoritized youth are more likely to experience severe consequences and less likely to receive evidence-based treatment than their white counterparts. To address disparities related to substance use, pediatric health professionals must integrate substance use/substance use disorder prevention, early intervention, and treatment as part of routine pediatric primary care. To do so, we need to train a diverse workforce to engage in patient-centered conversations that are nonjudgmental and compassionate and that acknowledge the impact of structural determinants of health, including racism, on substance use and treatment outcomes. Keywords: substance use, addiction, substance use disorders