Bridging the Gap: Addressing Substance Use Disorder Treatments among Vulnerable Populations

Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect individuals across various demographics, yet significant disparities persist in access to and effectiveness of treatment interventions for vulnerable populations, including (but not limited to) those experiencing homelessness, mental health disorders, socioeconomic disadvantage, people experiencing co-occurring conditions, experiencing intimate partner violence and those experiencing perinatal or maternal substance use.

This Research Topic encourages papers using innovative methodologies, highlighting the importance of tailored treatment approaches to effectively address SUDs in vulnerable populations. Papers exploring the specific needs of individuals are greatly encouraged.

By bridging this gap, we can move towards more equitable and effective treatment and policy solutions.

Suggested Themes for papers (may include, but not limited to):

- Epidemiological Trends: Analyzing prevalence rates, risk factors and unique characteristics of SUDs among different vulnerable populations.
- Barriers to Treatment: Investigating barriers faced in accessing evidence-based treatments, including disparities in diagnosis, referral, and engagement in care.
- Tailored and Innovative Interventions: Articles showcasing novel interventions, including community-based programs, integrated care models, culturally tailored treatments, and technology-assisted therapies.
- Unique needs and circumstances: Exploring SUD in relation to unique needs and circumstances including perinatal SUD, maternal/paternal SUD, intimate partner violence, homelessness, and chronic pain.
- Psychosocial Factors: Exploring the role of psychological and social factors (including trauma, stigma, socioeconomic status) in shaping SUD treatment outcomes.
- Risk and Protective Factors: Identifying and examining the risk and protective factors, such as family and social support networks, relationships, religion).
- Culturally Competent Treatment Modalities: Evaluations of treatment programs designed to be culturally responsive and inclusive.
- Community-Based Interventions: Case studies and evaluations of community-driven approaches to SUD treatment and prevention.

Keywords: Substance Use, Treatment, Social Determinants, Tailored Interventions, Psychosocial Factors, vulnerable populations, treatment disparities

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.