Aim: The present contribution scrutinizes the assumption that people with a migration background (PMB) make less use of addiction services than non-migrants. Methods: Differentiated by diagnoses, the proportions of PMB in the Statistical Report on Substance Abuse Treatment in Germany are compared to the share of PMB in the general population. Results: German born PMB treated due to the consumption of cocaine, opioids, cannabinoids or pathological gambling show a disproportionately high use of addiction services. In contrast, foreign born PMB are rather under-represented. These patterns are invariant over time. Conclusions: The use of addiction services is not generally lower among PMB. Within PMB there is considerable variation regarding needs and help seeking behavior. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG.

emigrants and immigrants Health services Acculturation needs and demand substance-related disorders

Germany hospitalization population human middle aged statistics and numerical data health service opiate comparative study Substance-Related Disorders Street Drugs street drug Aged alcoholism Health Services Needs and Demand pathological gambling Cross-Sectional Studies cocaine Young Adult cross-sectional study migrant psychology Cross-Cultural Comparison Adolescent Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants gambling female Substance Abuse Treatment Centers cultural factor Article health care utilization help seeking behavior adult migration cannabinoid drug dependence treatment drug use utilization ambulatory care patient attitude addiction Patient Acceptance of Health Care Reference Values reference value