Prominent Black Figures in Addiction Research & Psychology

The field of addiction psychology is relatively new, with addiction first classified as a mental disorder in the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1952. Since then, the field has continued to grow in research and awareness as more breakthroughs emerge every year on the disease of addiction.

With that, we must not forget the significant contributions of the African and African American community to the fields of addiction research and psychology. From breaking barriers in publishing critical research on addiction to raising awareness on disparities in mental health treatment access, the Black community has seen historic figures who’ve made strides in creating what we now know as the science of addiction.

In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting a few of the countless individuals who’ve made their mark on the fields of addiction and psychology throughout history.

Lonnie Edward Mitchell, Ph.D.: Founder of the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Our first spotlight is Dr. Lonnie Edward Mitchell; a pivotal player in the innovation of an integrated healthcare system, specialist in drug abuse and addiction counseling, and healthcare policymaker. Dr. Mitchell is credited with assisting in founding the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), where he created and directed the institute’s International Substance Abuse Training Program for the US Department of State.

Having passed in 1997, Dr. Mitchell left a tremendous impact on shaping addiction care and counseling through training medical professionals and social workers on the disease. His efforts continue to shape how healthcare workers approach addiction treatment today.

Maxie Clarence Maultsby Jr., M.D.: Creator of Alcohol Relapse Prevention & Therapy Models

Our second spotlight is Dr. Maxie Clarence Maultsby Jr.; a prominent figure in some of the most influential models of psychology. Dr. Maultsby was the founder of multiple approaches to psychology and addiction; Rational Behavior Therapy (one of the most popular techniques in cognitive-behavioral therapy), an emotional self-help technique known as “Rational Self-Counseling,” and the New Self-Help Alcoholic Relapse Prevention Treatment Method. He also was elected Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists.

Following his passing in 2016, Dr. Maultsby’s contributions revolutionized addiction and psychotherapy treatment through emotional self-management, which is still seen in therapeutic practices today.

Bebe Moore Campbell: Founder of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Third, we have Bebe Moore Campbell; an advocate and literary trailblazer in the field of mental health. Her literary and journalistic works address the significant impact of racism and the consequences of stigma in equal access to mental health treatment in communities of color. Campbell co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness Los Angeles, and her advocacy was instrumental in bringing awareness of racial disparities in mental health treatment access.

Campbell passed away from cancer in 2006, and in 2008, July was nationally declared Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month; a month dedicated to improving treatment access and raising awareness of mental illness across underrepresented communities.

Francis Cecil Summer, Ph.D.: Founder of Black Psychology

Next, we have Dr. Francis Cecil Summer; one of the “Founders of Black Psychology” and influential Black psychologist. Dr. Summer’s research focused on racial bias in psychology and advocating for educational justice. He was also the first African American to receive a Ph.D. degree in psychology, despite not having a high school education and being denied funding for his doctoral research on behalf of his race. Dr. Summer is also credited as one of the founders of the Howard University Psychology Department, which he chaired until his passing in 1954.

Dr. Summer’s contributions to the field of psychology paved the way for not just more research into racial bias in mental health but also opened the entire field of psychology to the African American community. His work provided equitable access to research into psychology for Black Americans and Black university students.

Jacki McKinney, M.S.W.: Addiction and Trauma Research Trailblazer

Our next spotlight is Jacki McKinney, M.S.W.; a survivor of trauma, addiction, and homelessness who transformed her hardships into powerful advocacy. Founder of the National People of Color Consumer/Survivor Network and advisor to the Center for Mental Health Services, McKinney’s work included issues on substance abuse and inequality in mental health. For her leadership, McKinney was awarded The National Mental Health Association’s Clifford W. Beers award, its highest honor, as well as a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration’s Voice Awards program.

Although she passed away in 2021, McKinney’s contributions to the minority mental health community continue to be instrumental in trauma research and treatment equity today.

Carl Bell, M.D.: Pioneer in Co-Occurring Mental Disorders

Lastly, we have psychiatrist, educator, and minority mental health advocate, Dr. Carl Bell. His contribution to the psychology field was instrumental, as his main areas of research focused on co-occurring mental health disorders in addiction, the effects of childhood trauma in disadvantaged communities, and biopsychosocial determinants of health.

Until his passing in 2019, Dr. Bell gave back to his community as a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, authoring hundreds of publications on the systematic challenges of Black youth. As a trailblazer in research on co-occurring disorders and addiction, Dr. Bell’s contributions have expanded mental health treatment and research for minority communities.

Conclusion

The Black community’s contributions to addiction medicine and psychology cannot be understated. From creating some of the most influential treatment models in therapy to founding dozens of centers for psychology and addiction research, African Americans have made a longstanding impact on how we approach substance abuse and psychology today. We thank this community for their impact not just during Black History Month, but year-round, as we wouldn’t have many of the tools to treat addiction today without their contributions.

About Master Center for Addiction Medicine

Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches.

Give us a call today at 804.332.5950 to schedule an appointment or learn more about us.