Race, Ethnicity, and Language Disparities in Alcohol and Drug Screening and Medication Treatment - Takeaways - MDSpire

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

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Excessive alcohol use is a leading preventable cause of death in the US, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • 2

    Screening and brief interventions in primary care can reduce alcohol use and improve health outcomes, yet adherence to screening recommendations varies widely.

  • 3

    Latino and non-Hispanic Black populations are experiencing rising rates of unhealthy alcohol and drug use, worsening existing health disparities.

  • 4

    Racial and ethnic minorities receive less screening and treatment for substance use disorders compared to White patients, with cultural barriers contributing.

  • 5

    Community health centers are crucial for understanding substance use screening patterns among minority patients and addressing disparities in treatment access.

Original Source(s)

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

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