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Typically in times of hardship, African Americans historically band together and work to maintain normalcy in the home and community. But as the scourge of drugs continues to ravage too many neighborhoods, the realities of tough economic times shines a light on the affect this recession is having on addiction and the treatment of. Federal cuts to substance abuse clinics and rehabilitation centers means a reduction in treatment facilities and limited space for addicts seeking to get help. Unfortunately, cutbacks to the rehabilitation centers are occurring as substance abuse is on the upswing. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2008 Stress in America survey eighty percent of those surveyed said that fears about the struggling economy has led to behaviors such as drinking and smoking.
The realities of a recession — layoffs, marital woes and housing foreclosures, only enhance the types of behaviors that lead to too many African Americans reaching for drinks and drugs. Alcohol sales increase during a recession and survey data indicates that more Americans are consuming alcohol at home rather than in restaurants. Depression and set in even under the most normal circumstances, but now with the added pressures of the economic downturn, an addict can wholly submerge themselves in addiction as a coping mechanism. Unfortunately there won’t be as many resources available for those seeking treatment. According to the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependency Association, the state’s substance abuse and prevention programs face a $170 million loss in funding due to budget cuts. Consequently, approximately 355,000 substance abusers won’t receive adequate treatment.
One relatively new phenomenon in this recession is the increase in prescription drug abuse. Many are choosing to use painkillers, tranquilizers, sedatives and stimulants to try and cope with financial hardships. While some doctors are writing more anti-depression and anti-anxiety prescriptions than ever before, another culprit for the spike in prescription drug abuse is the rise of online pharmacies. A number of these online outlets are so easy to use, that younger consumers are able to buy prescription drugs without a prescription.
The point is that all of the factors mentioned contribute to an increase in the number of African Americans with substance abuse issues. The support of the family and entire community are critical at this juncture to weather the economic storm and curb this disturbing trend. –todd williams
