Racial Disparities in Community Outcomes Among Individuals with Schizophrenia and Cooccurring Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Few studies have examined the effects of race on community outcomes in cooccurring schizophrenia and substance use disorders. Such effects were examined among 1,370 Black and White persons classified as having schizophrenia; schizophrenia and alcohol use disorders; schizophrenia and drug use disorders; or schizophrenia, alcohol, and drug use disorders. Results revealed that Black individuals with schizophrenia, alcohol, and drug use disorders demonstrated the greatest psychosocial deficits compared to all other groups observed. These findings underscore the need for social workers to optimize community services for this population, paying particular attention to the effects of race and its impact on recovery.

KEYWORDS:

• community function
• psychosocial disability
• racial groups
• schizophrenia
• substance use disorder