Abstract
Chemical dependency is a progressive medical and psychiatric disease that impairs an individual's biologic, social, and psychologic functioning. Although, the biologic effects are similar in most races, the social context of recovery is different for African-Americans. Many African-Americans have race-related problems in dealing with self-concept. Denial of racial and cultural differences within the treatment setting hampers the therapeutic effectiveness of chemical dependency services available to African-American people. In addition, many health, economic, and social issues in the African-American community are influenced by chemical dependency. The Institute of Black Chemical Abuse (IBCA) was established to reduce the negative impact of alcohol and drug use, abuse, and dependency on black communities, families, and individuals by providing or ensuring the delivery of quality chemical dependency and related services. A proposal for a community primary prevention intervention project is developed from the ICBA Model including theoretical rationale, the proposed project, staffing, and evaluation criteria. The role of the psychiatric clinical nurse specialist is discussed. The project is targeted for urban communities that are predominantly African-American.