Assignment Task:
Respond to at least two colleagues by suggesting an additional strengths-based strategy social workers can use with clients experiencing stigma or discrimination for multiple reasons.
1-lachonsance:
Intersectionality provides a vital lens for understanding the complex and multifaceted risks associated with substance use disorders (SUDs). By examining the interplay of social identities such as race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and social class, along with the compounded effects of stigma, discrimination, and co-occurring issues, social workers can better address the unique challenges faced by individuals. Substance use disorders often develop from an intricate combination of individual, social, and structural factors. Intersectionality highlights how overlapping identities and systemic inequities compound risk. Systemic racism and socioeconomic disparities often limit access to education, employment, and healthcare, increasing stress and vulnerability to substance use (Van Wormer & Davis, 2018). Marginalized communities may face higher rates of criminalization rather than treatment for substance use. I can remember a client I once met, who faced a deeply intersectional set of challenges. She had grown up in a low-income household where substance use was normalized due to her parents' struggles with addiction. As an adult, she faced rejection from some family members after coming out, which led to feelings of isolation and depression. She began using alcohol to cope with the stress of balancing single motherhood, her economic struggles, and the stigma she faced for her sexual orientation. Her substance use eventually escalated, leading to legal issues that threatened her custody of her children. When she came in, she expressed shame about her situation and fear of being judged, both for her substance use and her identity. It is important for social workers to recognize the client's intersecting identities such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation and the trauma in which their co-occurring issues have stemmed. These intersecting factors influence how oppression, privilege, and resilience shape the client's life and addiction experiences (Eisenberg et al., 2022). Viewing the client through this lens ensures a comprehensive understanding of their challenges and strengths. Actively involving the client in goal setting and treatment planning is key to empowering them and building trust. This collaborative approach respects the client's autonomy and fosters self-efficacy (Vu et al., 2019).
Social Workers Can Address the Impact of Intersectionality by:
Advocacy for Systems Change:
Social workers can advocate for policies and practices that address systemic inequities. For example, they can push for equitable access to healthcare, affordable housing, and culturally competent treatment programs. On an individual level, they can support clients in navigating systemic barriers, such as helping a client of color find a substance use treatment program that understands the impact of racial discrimination on addiction (Eisenberg et al., 2022).
Integrating Wraparound Services:
Recognizing the interconnected nature of the client's challenges, social workers can coordinate wraparound services to address multiple needs simultaneously. For example, they can connect a client experiencing substance use and gender-based violence to a trauma-informed addiction counselor, legal aid for protection orders, and a safe housing program. These comprehensive supports help clients stabilize and address root causes of their struggles.
By adopting an intersectional lens and leveraging advocacy and service integration, social workers can create a supportive and affirming environment. This approach allows clients to heal, grow, and achieve their goals while honoring their multifaceted identities and inherent strengths. Want Online Help?
References:
Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D. R. (2018). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Vu, M., Li, J., Haardörfer, R., Windle, M., & Berg, C. J. (2019). Mental health and substance use among women and men at the intersections of identities and experiences of discrimination: Insights from the intersectionality framework. BMC Public Health, 19, 108.
Eisenberg, M. E., Gower, A., Watson, R., Rider, N., Thomas, D., & Russell, S. (2022). Substance use behaviors among LGBTQ youth of color: Applying a novel method in two large samples to identify intersecting social positions bearing the greatest burden. Journal of Adolescent Health, 70(4), S98.
2-jennifer-
Substance use disorder (SUD) doesn't happen in a vacuum-it's deeply connected to the different social identities people carry. Race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and class all interact in ways that can make someone more vulnerable to addiction. When you add layers of stigma and discrimination to the mix, it's easy to see how someone might turn to substances as a way to cope. For instance, LGBTQ youth of color face both racism and homophobia, which can create a huge emotional burden and increase the risk of substance use (Eisenberg et al., 2022). Women dealing with things like poverty, violence, and mental health challenges often find themselves in similar situations, where multiple struggles pile on top of each other (Vu et al., 2019).
This hits home for me because I lost my brother to an overdose in August 2024. As I grieve, I keep thinking about how much stigma he faced, not just for his addiction but for the struggles that came along with it. He wasn't just battling a substance-he was fighting against a world that didn't always understand or support him. That experience has shaped the way I view clients and reinforced the need for empathy and understanding in social work.
When social workers take on cases involving SUD, it's important to see the whole picture. Someone might come in with addiction issues, but there's almost always more to the story-mental illness, trauma, discrimination, or poverty. Instead of focusing just on the substance, we need to treat the person, their experiences, and their strengths (Van Wormer & Davis, 2018).
What Social Workers Can Do
Be Culturally Aware: Take the time to learn about your client's background. If they're part of a specific racial or cultural group, identify how their experiences might affect their addiction and recovery process. This could mean addressing barriers like language, access to care, or mistrust in the system. For example, an LGBTQ client might need a safe space to process their identity alongside their addiction recovery (Vu et al., 2019).
Focus on Strengths: Clients are so much more than their addiction. As social workers, we can help them see their resilience and connect them with resources that align with their values and needs. Whether it's LGBTQ+ support groups, culturally specific programs, or trauma-informed care, it's all about lifting them up in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.
For me, this work is also about honoring my brother's memory. Losing him taught me how critical it is to affirm the whole person-not just the part of them that's struggling but everything they bring to the table. It's about helping people feel seen, valued, and supported as they take steps toward recovery.
References:
- Eisenberg, M. E., Gower, A., Watson, R., Rider, N., Thomas, D., & Russell, S. (2022). Substance use behaviors among LGBTQ youth of color: Applying a novel method in two large samples to identify intersecting social positions bearing the greatest burden. Journal of Adolescent Health, 70(4), S98.
- Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D. R. (2018). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Vu, M., Li, J., Haardörfer, R., Windle, M., & Berg, C. J. (2019). Mental health and substance use among women and men at the intersections of identities and experiences of discrimination: Insights from the intersectionality framework. BMC Public Health, 19, 108.