PsychoNeuro
Volume 30, Issue 7, 2004, Pages 401-404

Drug addiction problems in migrants - Similarities and differences [Suchtprobleme bei migranten - Gemeinsamkeitien und unterschiede] (Short Survey)

Penka S. , Krieg S. , Wohlfarth E. , Heinz A.*
  • a Klin. fur Psychiat. und Psychother., Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
  • b Zentralinst. Seelische G. Mannheim, Germany
  • c Klin. fur Psychiat. und Psychother., Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
  • d Klin. fur Psychiat. und Psychother., Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany, Klin. F Psychiat. und Psychotherapie, Charité, Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Schumannstr, 20/21, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Abstract

In Germany, immigrants rarely use the medical system for drug addiction. Access to medical treatment may be restricted by cultural or social barriers. Qualitative interviews were used to examine treatment options for and experience of drug addicted migrants and professionals. Migrants reported feelings of helplessness, lack of influence, discrimination, social exclusion, and fears to lose the right to stay in Germany as explanations for reduced or late utilization of the medical system. Cultural differences in the understanding and interpretation of drug addiction may also contribute to reduced access to professional treatment. Explanatory models of addictive behavior were examined in German and Turkish youth, i.e. one of the largest immigrant groups in Germany. Turkish youth rejected many important medical expressions as inadequate to describe addiction. Such differences in explanatory models should be considered if preventive efforts are supposed to reach immigrant populations.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Short Survey cultural anthropology social aspect Turkey (republic) Germany helplessness immigrant Behavior health care system drug dependence migrant worker interview health care utilization human
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-3843103707&partnerID=40&md5=64360f83d2f2cb4cf25ce19efbb55313
ISSN: 16119991
Cited by: 4
Original Language: German