Race, Ethnicity, and Language Disparities in Alcohol and Drug Screening and Medication Treatment
By
Brian Chan
David Ezekiel-Herrera
Steffani R. Bailey
Elena Byhoff
Miguel Marino
Jennifer A. Lucas
Sophia Giebultowicz
Kevin Espinoza
Zoe Larson
John Heintzman
May 13, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Disparities in Alcohol and Drug Screening and Treatment Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Language
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Unhealthy Alcohol and Drug Use Key Mechanisms Screening and brief interventions (SBIRT) to reduce alcohol use and improve health outcomes. Target Population Adults aged 18 years and older, particularly Latino and non-Hispanic Black populations. Care Setting Community Health Centers (CHCs)
Key Highlights
Excessive alcohol use is a leading preventable cause of death in the US. COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated rates of alcohol and opioid use disorders. Screening rates for unhealthy alcohol use vary significantly by race and ethnicity. Latino and Black patients are less likely to receive treatment for substance use disorders compared to White patients. Cultural and language barriers contribute to disparities in screening and treatment. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Screening for unhealthy alcohol use recommended for adults aged 18 years or older. Management
Implement SBIRT in primary care settings to address unhealthy alcohol and drug use. Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor screening rates and treatment referrals among different racial and ethnic groups. Risks
Increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality associated with excessive alcohol use. Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults seeking care at community health centers, particularly from minority groups.
Lower rates of treatment referral and receipt among Latino and Black patients with substance use disorders.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize culturally competent approaches to improve screening and treatment access. Enhance referral processes for patients identified with substance use disorders. Conduct regular training for healthcare providers on addressing disparities in substance use treatment. Related Resources & Content
