NCJ Number
171820
Journal
American Journal on Addictions Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1996) Pages: 334-350
Date Published
1996
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the drug addiction problems of several categories of immigrants, "travelers," and refugees and presents categories and case histories of various typical presentations, along with recommendations for individual and organizational community approaches to treatment of the classes of alcoholism, addiction, substance abuse, and comorbidity.
Abstract
Particular groups of migrants are apparently at special risk to alcoholism and addictions. These include former alcoholic and addicted persons, refugees, solo travelers on prolonged tours, and those experiencing acculturation failure in the new setting. Migration of many kinds can expose populations to new forms of substance use, with the potential for substance abuse. Leaders in the alcoholism-drug field must be alert to the possible vulnerability of local populations to new forms of substance abuse, as well as the potential introduction of new drug forms with which the population has not been familiar. Substance abuse among migrants may require special means of prevention and treatment. These special means may include attention to matters of social justice and equity. Interventions may also require the establishment of sensitive cross-language, cross-cultural treatment programs. 87 references