Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions
Volume 4, Issue 3, 2004, Pages 23-46

Providing culturally specific substance abuse services in refugee and immigrant communities: Lessons from a cambodian treatment and demonstration project (Article)

Amodeo M. , Peou S. , Saito D.G. , Berke H. , Riebe S.P. , Jones L.K.
  • a Alcohol and Drug Institute for Policy Training and Research, Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
  • b Revere Counseling Center, Revere, MA, United States
  • c Lowell Community Health Center, Lowell, MA, United States
  • d Revere Counseling Cente, Revere, MA, United States
  • e Department of Mental Health, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States
  • f School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Several agencies interested in serving Cambodian immigrants established a substance abuse treatment demonstration project which included culturally specific elements such as co-therapy done by a bilingual, bicultural Cambodian worker and a mainstream American social worker; formation of an advisory committee with Cambodian members; home visiting and family involvement; emphasis on traditional cultural values as motivators; integration of Buddhist philosophy; and use of acupuncture for detoxification. In spite of careful planning and several program accomplishments, the program initially received few client referrals. A fact-finding process revealed several barriers, including stigmatization of substance abuse and few Cambodian providers with substance abuse training. Case vignettes and organizational and clinical recommendations are provided for community leaders and advisory groups working with other low-incidence refugee and immigrant populations. © 2004, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Refugee and immigrant populations Culturally specific Substance abuse treatment Substance abuse treatment for Cambodians

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33845646927&doi=10.1300%2fJ160v04n03_03&partnerID=40&md5=6c7d8537cca2f7a28e31aa8b9a682344
DOI: 10.1300/J160v04n03_03
ISSN: 1533256X
Cited by: 10
Original Language: English