Ethnocultural factors in substance abuse treatment

ENGLISH :
Substance abuse treatment providers are increasingly aware of the need for greater ethnic and cultural awareness to guide their work with diverse clients. Yet the literature in this crucial area of clinical knowledge and skills is limited, and often deals with ethnicity in broad, overly simplistic categories. This much-needed book provides a nuanced discussion of addictive behaviors and their treatment among 19 different ethnocultural groups in the United States. An array of expert contributors focuses on how cultural knowledge can be effectively and appropriately applied in this challenging area of practice. Offering concrete recommendations to enhance treatment success, the book is enriched by a wealth of illustrative clinical material. While emphasizing the need to see each client as a unique individual, the book demonstrates how clinicians can also take into account the client's ethnocultural beliefs, customs, and values, as well as the social conditions affecting his or her particular group. These variables may provide important information about the client's attitudes toward alcohol and other drugs, patterns of substance use, reasons for seeking treatment, and responsiveness to various interventions. An unusually inclusive range of ethnocultural groups is discussed, encompassing Americans of African, Native American, Latina, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian descent. Addressed in each chapter are such themes as the impact of migration and acculturation issues, spiritual values and traditions, family structures, gender roles, and experiences of prejudice and discrimination. Other topics covered include adolescent treatment and issues related to HIV/AIDS. Chapters also guide clinicians toward greater awareness of the ways their own ethnocultural backgrounds may affect their interactions with clients. (Editor's abstract.)