Research and Consultations: Amplifying Service User Voices

Since the dawn of the new millennium, BAC-IN has been at the forefront of amplifying the authentic voices of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, championing the transformative power of peer-led recovery approaches and collaborative partnerships. Our organization actively engages in local and national research initiatives, public consultations, and health needs analyses to ensure that the voices of underserved and marginalised Black, Asian, and minoritized service users reverberate in policy-making, decision-making, and commissioning structures.

 

System reform is imperative, as a society we must confront the deep-seated roots of racial disparities, health inequalities and commissioning discrimination in the treatment, recovery residential rehab sector.

 

Equally critical is the need to address the ethnic and racial equity balance of those involved in decision-making at all levels of drug and alcohol healthcare. It is essential to recognize that Black, Asian, and minoritized communities are neither resistant to treatment nor uninformed about available services. The realities they face are intricately linked to cultural barriers that hinder access, a lack of choice appropriate care providers, and negative experiences with existing treatment services. Factors such as cultural shame, discrimination, and experiences of racism, compounded by mistrust of services and language barriers, further deter many from seeking help.

 

To create meaningful change, there is an urgent need for increased investment in commissioning across prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This investment will improve access to equitable, effective, and culturally appropriate healthcare for Black, Asian, and minoritized communities. Understanding the lived realities, intersectionality, and cultural nuances of these communities is vital to providing effective support.

 

Research consistently shows that Black, Asian, and minoritized communities would greatly benefit from culturally responsive recovery models; however, the current system lacks incentives for developing or investing in such services. Studies indicate that multiple factors concurrently support recovery, with peer-led services—designed for, with, and by individuals who have lived experienced - being particularly significant. These services are most effective when they are culturally responsive, acknowledging and valuing individuals’ beliefs, values, and cultural experiences from the very first point of contact.

 

The BAC-IN team, along with our board of Directors, Advisors and dedicated volunteers, are passionate and committed to improving outcomes for marginalised individuals facing addiction and multiple disadvantages. However, the uptake of drug and alcohol services among these communities remains alarmingly low. According to national treatment data from 2017-2018, a staggering 84% of individuals in treatment were white British, while only 5% were from other white groups, and no other ethnic group represented more than 1%. This stark disparity is further underscored by the 2021 report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on ‘The Treatment of Addiction UK,’ which highlighted the underrepresentation of Black, Asian, and minoritized individuals in treatment services.

 

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities, we invite you to explore the reports and publications listed below. These resources address a wide range of issues, including ethnic inequalities, tackling multiple disadvantages, the experiences of severe and multiple disadvantage, BME health needs assessments, mental health for all, drinking problems and interventions in Black and minority ethnic communities, The Lammy Review on the treatment and outcomes for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals in the Criminal Justice System, and theories of change framed by perspectives of lived experience leadership.