ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces ways addictive behaviors are represented in the lives of individuals of diverse racial/ethnic groups, gender identities, and abilities from an international perspective. A framework is introduced to address the complex nature of disparities—that is, differences rooted in social, economic, and environmental circumstances—in substance use, related problems, and access to treatment across multiple domains (biological, behavioral, physical/built environment, sociocultural environment, health care system) and levels of influence (individual, interpersonal, community, societal). Within this framework, the discussion provides examples of biological and social determinants of substance use and related outcomes. This chapter concludes with suggestions for social workers and allied professionals in their consideration of diversity in practice and policy.
