Experiences and challenges of substance use and misuse among Black African youth in Calgary, Canada
1
Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1387
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
In Canada, substance use is more common among youth and young adults than older groups, with Black African youth facing heightened risk due to intersecting factors such as migration experiences, structural racism, and integration barriers. Substance use has led to severe health and social harms, including overdose-related deaths, chronic illness, housing instability, and family strain. This paper focuses on the lived experiences and structural challenges shaping substance use and misuse among Black African youth and their families in Calgary.
METHODS:
A qualitative study design was used to explore experiences of substance use and misuse. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 Black African youth aged 18 - 25 identified as at risk or in recovery, and with 10 family members. A focus group was also held with Black service providers from Black-serving organizations (n=5), Black community leaders (n=3) and religious leaders (n=2). Data were analyzed using multi-layered thematic analysis supported by NVivo software to identify cross-cutting themes.
RESULTS:
Substance use experiences reflected the intersection of addiction, mental health challenges, migration stress, systemic inequities, family dynamics, and cultural contexts. Commonly used substances included alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and vaping products. Youth described substance use as a coping response to isolation, discrimination, unemployment, educational disruption, and financial insecurity. Peer influence, pressures to assimilate, and intergenerational tensions further shaped risk. Findings show that cultural norms surrounding silence, shame, stigma, as well as lack of trust constrained early help-seeking.
CONCLUSIONS:
Substance use and misuse among Black African youth must be understood within broader social, cultural, and structural contexts. The findings underscore the need for culturally responsive, community-led, and prevention-focused public health approaches that address root causes, build trust, and strengthen families before crises escalate.
In Canada, substance use is more common among youth and young adults than older groups, with Black African youth facing heightened risk due to intersecting factors such as migration experiences, structural racism, and integration barriers. Substance use has led to severe health and social harms, including overdose-related deaths, chronic illness, housing instability, and family strain. This paper focuses on the lived experiences and structural challenges shaping substance use and misuse among Black African youth and their families in Calgary.
METHODS:
A qualitative study design was used to explore experiences of substance use and misuse. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 Black African youth aged 18 - 25 identified as at risk or in recovery, and with 10 family members. A focus group was also held with Black service providers from Black-serving organizations (n=5), Black community leaders (n=3) and religious leaders (n=2). Data were analyzed using multi-layered thematic analysis supported by NVivo software to identify cross-cutting themes.
RESULTS:
Substance use experiences reflected the intersection of addiction, mental health challenges, migration stress, systemic inequities, family dynamics, and cultural contexts. Commonly used substances included alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and vaping products. Youth described substance use as a coping response to isolation, discrimination, unemployment, educational disruption, and financial insecurity. Peer influence, pressures to assimilate, and intergenerational tensions further shaped risk. Findings show that cultural norms surrounding silence, shame, stigma, as well as lack of trust constrained early help-seeking.
CONCLUSIONS:
Substance use and misuse among Black African youth must be understood within broader social, cultural, and structural contexts. The findings underscore the need for culturally responsive, community-led, and prevention-focused public health approaches that address root causes, build trust, and strengthen families before crises escalate.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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