INTERSECTIONALITY AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RISK

Explain how intersectionality relates to substance use disorder risk. Specifically, discuss how social identities (race/ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity) come together with stigma and compound one another to promote or exacerbate the development of a substance use disorder. When various issues co-occur in the same client (gender-based violence, substance use, mental illness, racial or other discrimination, poverty, etc.), what should social workers consider in order to treat the client in a holistic and strength-based manner that affirms the whole person? Propose two ways that social workers who work with clients with substance use disorders can address the impact of intersectionality.