The Intersectionality of Substance Use Disorders Among Black Americans and Critical Race Theory in Educating Counselor Trainees
Sherrá M. Watkins, Ph.D.; Nathalie Mizelle-Johnson, Ph.D.; Anthony Andrews and Qu’Nesha Sawyer Ph.D.
Abstract
Due to the advent Covid-19, racial profiling and police brutality people are stressed, anxious, angry, depressed, lonely, and filled with worries in ways they have not been. This constant race-related stress stemming from constant viewing of these negative images has been linked to maladaptive coping responses such as substance use. Black Americans have encountered unique experiences with racial microaggressions however few counseling programs have extended multicultural constructs to include topics such as racism, discrimination, police brutality, white privilege, white fragility, historical trauma, intergenerational trauma within the lens of critical race theory. This article will discuss racial disparities and trauma in mental health and how counselor education should focus on a holistic approach in these traumatic and stressful instances of time.