1. AODA Special
Populations
Barriers & Bias in Treatment Services

2. Barriers to Treatment Services
What is a barrier? – Characteristics or events that
restrain or serve as an obstacle to treatment
Dimensions
Internal
External
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3. Internal Barriers
Perception
Motivation
Stigma
Recognition of use
Beliefs
Opinions of others
Privacy concerns
Fear of the unknown
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4. External Barriers
 Socio-cultural-environmental factors
 Transportation
 Childcare
 Homelessness
 Communication
 Legal system
 Discrimination
 Health care system
 Options
 Access
 Agency characteristics
 Access & biases
 Treatment style
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5. Bias in Services
Evaluation concerns
Bias & mis/under/over diagnosing
Culture bound syndromes & spiritual influences
Substance abuse providers: What to do?
Review records & clinical information
5 key questions
 Were substance abuse issues included?
 Were MH issues included?
 Were cultural/spiritual issues included?
 Were social/environmental stressors noted?
 Am I aware of necessary medical issues?
Collaborative contact

6. Provider Interventions
Recognition of types of barriers and bias and their
influence on clients
Role of advocacy with barriers
Intervention at clinician level
Intervention at agency level
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