ABSTRACT
The intersection and simultaneous separation of mental health and substance use is a long-standing issue. They are seen as the same yet treated very differently. Furthermore, when people in the mental health profession realize something needs to change, language and how we describe people with mental health conditions for example, the substance use industry takes that same concept and uses it for people with substance use disorders. Failing to consider the unique needs of the subgroup and potential negative impact in the process. Like the use of person-first language, the substance use profession has traditionally implemented cultural changes in the industry as an afterthought, failing to think critically about how to implement cultural changes to improve treatment. The chapter will encourage professionals to understand that mental health and substance use are on a spectrum and often require a range of different considerations as they pertain to equity and cultural responsiveness. A conceptualization of equity specifically in the context of substance use treatment and cultural responsiveness will be provided.
