Addiction Management in Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Addiction remains a significant challenge, especially for vulnerable populations. As a way to cope with social determinants of health, life stressors and challenges they are going through, most result in substance abuse. Considering the number of people affected by SUD in the US, there is a need to put effective measures in place that can help address the challenges of dealing with addiction in vulnerable populations. Other than addressing the root causes of addiction in these populations, there is a need to take into account the individual needs of these groups to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes. Some of the needs that clinicians need to consider are lack of medical insurance, the inability to pay insurance, challenges with housing, historical trauma, structural racism, and discrimination. These factors can make it difficult to attain positive outcomes when dealing with vulnerable groups. Therefore, taking them into account is important. Community-based interventions can also help because they bring treatment close to patients. They also provide social support which most people facing vulnerabilities lack.