Nursing- Race, Culture, and Trauma in The Treatment of Addiction: A World View

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The concepts of race and culture are frequently used interchangeably, which falsely represents large groups of people.  On an individual basis, it can distort service delivery, and result in the perpetuation of bias.  Being able to distinguish between race and culture offers a first step in the provision of trauma-informed and sensitive counseling.  Approximately ten percent of Americans report being in recovery and require assistance maintaining sobriety.  Approximately 23.5 million Americans are addicted to drugs or alcohol and these numbers continue to rise.  Unfortunately, there are many gaps in service delivery, and frequently a medical model or westernized medicine doesn’t adequately address all the needs.  Nursing and Counseling may serve an important role to help close the gap.  Nurse Educators can clearly provide an important service that allows some individuals or their families to become educated on issues of race and culture and their influence on trauma and addiction. Having an increased awareness will allow counselors to contribute and provide trauma-informed and sensitive services.

Purpose:

To raise visibility and competency in providing trauma-informed coaching, and recognize the effects of race and culture related to issues of addiction.

Goals:

1.     To apply principles of advocacy in sobriety counseling through Nursing

2.     To examine an inclusive model for addressing trauma in Nursing

3.     To improve nurse counseling and educational skills in addressing trauma and issues of addiction

4.     To learn how to develop trauma-informed and sensitive counseling in Nursing

Objectives:

1.     To learn how to address racial and intergenerational trauma in nurse counseling

2.     To view the impact of race and culture in addiction

3.     To provide a model for wellness nurse counseling