NCJ Number
190814
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 36 Issue: 8 Dated: 2001 Pages: 1015-1032
Date Published
2001
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This New Zealand study was a first step in assessing the relevance of addressing cultural variables in alcohol and drug treatment by examining the degree of support for responding to the needs of Maori drug users in a way that was different from treating non-Maori clients.
Abstract
Data were obtained as part of a telephone survey of 90 persons involved in treating alcohol or drug abusers. The mean age of respondents was 42, and 60 percent were females. Seventy percent were New Zealand European/Pakeha, a quarter Maori, and the remainder were from other ethnic groups, mostly from Pacific Islands. Participants reported an average of 6 years experience in drug treatment programs. Subjects were queried about their views regarding using different treatment techniques for Maori clients than for non-Maori clients. Response frequencies by groups for the primary question were obtained, and then chi-square analyses were performed on key grouping variables to compare positive and negative responses. Eighty-six percent of all respondents stated that Maori clients should be treated differently than non-Maori clients, and the majority of these had made efforts to vary their treatment methods in accordance with the cultural differences of clients. Two key strategies for Maori clients were referral to specialist Maori groups or individuals and/or contacting/meeting with whanau (family). Maori workers were more likely to apply culturally based techniques themselves; whereas, non-Maori workers were more likely to refer Maori clients to programs that specialize in working with Maori clients. 3 tables and 36 references