NCJ Number
214995
Journal
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 1-21
Date Published
2006
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This ethnographic study examined the role of African-American clergy in providing informal services to drug users in the rural South.
Abstract
All participating drug users claimed significant religiosity, and over one-third of them had interacted with clergy because of drug problems. The results of the study contribute to a better understanding of indigenous sources of aid for drug users in rural areas and suggest areas of education collaboration between ministers and drug treatment specialists. The data also indicated that many African-American drug users are recognized as part of the religious life of the community rather than being ostracized from it. African-American ministers in the rural South are aware of drug problems in their communities and they are frequently involved in addressing the issue. Ministers are regularly approached by drug users or their family members. This study combined data from qualitative interviews with 15 African-American ministers and 26 African-American stimulant users in Arkansas’ rural Mississippi River Delta region to consider the following issues; a description of drug users’ religiosity, their perspectives on ministers as sources of assistance with drug problems, and the support some have received from clergy. The study then outlined African-American ministers’ engagement with drug users, their methods for addressing drug problems, and their perspectives on formal drug treatment. Finally, the study outlined the findings on ministers’ needs for training related to drug abuse counseling and barriers to training opportunities. References