African Americans Prevention & Treatment

Some prevention and treatment programs use an Afrocentric or Africentric approach, based on the principles of Kwanzaa (unity, self-determination, collectivity, cooperation, purpose, creativity, and faith) (Asante, 1980, 1998).

Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-Step programs may appeal to African Americans because they rely on collective effort, personal relationships, and spirituality, and utilize rich language, metaphors, and imagery (Caldwell, 1983; Hudson, 1985/86).

Churches are central institutions in African American communities and can be very helpful in addressing alcohol and drug problems ( Brisbane , 1998). Education may help church members avoid moralistic explanations or denial of alcohol and drug problems (Prugh, 1986/87).

Treatment approaches (see Ziter, 1987) have included empowerment to prevent victimization and increase self esteem (Solomon, 1976), bicultural counseling to help negotiate the majority culture while supporting positives of one's own culture ( Beverly , 1975), and the dual perspective that contrasts clients' values and behaviors with the majority group's perspective (Norton, 1978).

Extended family members may be important resources in recovery and may include “social kin” (non-blood relations) (Brisbane, 1998; Brown & Tooley, 1989; Reid, 2000).

Some Blacks use spiritual guides or other indigenous helpers to address alcohol or drug problems (Huff, 1999; Prugh, 1986/87).

In communities where alcohol and drug problems are common, combined efforts of health care and business professionals, civic and fraternal groups, and clergy are needed. Strategies must address broader socioeconomic conditions (Gossett, 1988).

It is important to capitalize on the strengths of African American families and communities, such as support, resilience, and spirituality, rather than focus on deficits (Reid, 2000).

Sensitivity may include considering a client's preference for an African American counselor or recognizing difficulty with the disclosure expected in traditional chemical dependency treatment programs (Bell & Evans, 1983).