Exam 48: Connections : Biomedicalization of Drug Addiction and the Reproduction of Inequality, Tammy Landerson and Philip Kavanaugh

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The medicalization and biomedicalization of behavioral addictions, such as gambling, internet addiction, and gaming, are likely to produce the same sorts of racial inequality problems as those seen in the medicalization of drug and alcohol addiction. This is because the healthcare system and society at large often perpetuate racial inequalities in access to treatment, diagnosis, and resources.

For example, racial minorities may face barriers to accessing quality treatment for behavioral addictions, such as lack of insurance coverage, cultural stigma, and discrimination within the healthcare system. Additionally, research and resources for these behavioral addictions may be disproportionately focused on white populations, leading to a lack of understanding and support for minority communities.

Attention to intersectionality and diversity issues can help rectify these problems by acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by different racial and ethnic groups. This means considering how factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural background intersect to create barriers to treatment and support for behavioral addictions.

By incorporating intersectional perspectives into research, policy, and clinical practice, healthcare providers and policymakers can better understand and address the specific needs of diverse populations. This may involve developing culturally competent treatment approaches, increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce, and advocating for equitable access to resources for all individuals struggling with behavioral addictions. Ultimately, a focus on intersectionality and diversity can help to reduce racial inequalities in the medicalization and biomedicalization of behavioral addictions.