Abstract:

African American adolescent males face unique challenges regarding substance abuse treatment that are rooted in socio-economic disparities, limited access to mental health resources, etc. Further, educational attainment disparities are significantly exacerbated by issues such as underfunding of schools, community resource disparities such as libraries, digital learning centers, cultural enrichment programs, etc. in African American communities. Outcomes such as lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates are more prevalent. All of the aforementioned challenges tend increase risks of substance abuse use as a coping mechanism for increased stress and frustration. Outpatient substance abuse treatment programs designed for African American adolescent males are essential in addressing these issues.

The following research questions framed this research study:
1. Is there a statistically significant linear association that is influenced by age at admission, educational status, psychiatric co-morbidity status, and the degree to which African American adolescent males complete or do not complete outpatient substance abuse treatment programs?
2. Is there a statistically significant linear association that is influenced by age at admission, educational status, psychiatric co-morbidity status, substance use severity status, and the degree to which African American adolescent males complete or do not complete outpatient substance abuse treatment programs?
3. Is there a statistically significant linear association that is influenced by age at admission, educational status, psychiatric co-morbidity status, substance use severity status, prior substance abuse treatment status, and the degree to which African American adolescent males complete or do not complete outpatient substance abuse treatment programs?

A multivariate correlational research design was developed for the current study. Systematic secondary samples of data from African American adolescent males (N = 668) were generated from the Treatment Episode Data Set – Discharges published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Additionally, geographical sub-samples of data were disaggregated for the Northeast, Far West, Midwest, and the Southern regions of the U.S. Null hypotheses were tested using the forward stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis statistical method. Major findings indicated that African American adolescent males had similar adverse experiences with outpatient substance abuse treatment programs despite socioeconomic and educational attainment differences.

Keywords:

African American adolescent males, mental healthcare practitioners, healthcare disparities, healthcare policy, socioeconomic status, educational attainment, substance abuse rehabilitation programs and resources, cultural competency, regional differences.