Multicultural Issues in Addiction

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Multicultural Issues in Addiction

Introduction

The ability to identify and resolve sociological problems in the society is elemental in achieving and maintaining high levels of growth and productivity. The health and psychological implications of drug addiction have had adverse effects on the holistic productivity of the society. Addressing this problem in a sustainable manner has been challenging because of its deep rooted position in the fundamental cultural aspects of the affected communities. Cultural values are instrumental in determining the code of conduct of the population that is governed by the same. As such, they influence use and abuse of drugs in various ways. According to researchers’ views, drug addiction is to a great extent shaped by the cultural wellbeing of the society. In particular, it is posited that communal conditions that encourage use of drugs often experience addiction problems. On the contrary, cultural values that shun anti social practices play a critical role in discouraging use and abuse of drugs.

Seemingly, drug abuse is a phenomenon that is well known and appreciated by the society since historical times. However, patterns of use across cultures vary significantly and are influenced by the cultural conditions that allow use of the drugs and the relative beliefs regarding the harm of the substances to the health of individuals. It is in this consideration that this paper provides an intrinsic evaluation of the multicultural issues that are associated with addiction. Understanding of the cultural factors is imperative in designing sustainable preventive and curative approaches.

According to South (1998), some cultural and incest taboos contribute to the problem of drug addiction. This is particularly common in communities that observe these cultures. For instance, he cites the communities that uphold drunken sexual orgies as promoters of alcoholism. Owing to the effects of the practices to the psychological wellbeing the individuals, they tend to perform the practice when they are intoxicated. Since the cultural practice is inclined in intricate familial relationships, it is not easily abandoned by the members; rather it is passed on to the other generations. Furthermore, this undermines intervention efforts due to the fact that external observers do not understand the underlying meanings. Consistent use of the drugs for this purpose contributes a great deal to incidences of addiction.

Some religious practices have been implicated for influencing habitual use of drugs. In this regard, global statistics indicate that alcohol use and abuse is relatively higher amongst the Catholics than Protestants and other religions. A study carried out in America to determine the patterns of alcohol use and abuse reaffirmed that alcoholism problems are fewer amongst the Chinese and Jews as compared to Catholics. This is attributed to the different religious teachings that the two segments of the population are exposed to. An analysis of the Jewish teachings indicated that great emphasis is laid on the need to exercise self control and motivation. In addition, White (1996) shows that these teaching tend to disapprove incidences of deviance and other forms of anti social behavior. The catholic religious teachings on the other hand assume a more tolerant position regarding alcoholism. In these, alcohol is perceived an acceptable ritual during meals.

Further, the inherent differences between drug addiction in men and women have also been occasioned by cultural issues. Psychological studies affirm that issues of drug addiction between the two genders are culturally inclined. In this regard, Wells and Wap (2007) point out that the conventional gendered perceptions that the society upholds have notable repercussions on drug addiction amongst women. The identity of women since historical times has influenced the attitudes that they are accorded by the entire society. These have further been reinforced by the findings of previous researches in this regard. From the traditional standpoint, women are expected to be reserved and refrain from engaging in social deviance. Since drug addiction constitutes social deviance, women are increasingly encouraged to avoid engaging in the same. Conformity to these attitudes that are still influential in the present society can be used to explain why women addicts are fewer than men. Nevertheless, similar attitudes have grave implications on the women who assume drug addiction. In this regard, it is indicated that such women tend to indulge heavily in drug use and abuse in order to keep at bay the feelings of guilt and rejection (Wells & Wap, 2007).

Certain models of attachment that are influenced by cultural beliefs and practices have been identified to contribute to drug addiction. In this respect, it is ascertained that some drug addicts and especially adolescents are influenced to assume drug use and abuse by their parents. This contention is complemented by the social learning theory that postulates that the environmental and social factors play a critical role in shaping the behavioral wellbeing of an individual. In this regard it is worth acknowledging that the mutual relationship and subsequent attachment that children have to their parents has various repercussions to the growth and development of the children. In his analysis, Brodie (2002) shows that adolescents who use and abuse drugs have been identified to have got these habits from their parents. In addition, peer influence is also known to influence involvement in drug use and abuse. In this regard, Schmidt, Greenfield and Mulia (2006) assert that the association between adolescents and their peers can have profound effects on behavioral development. It is indicated that close attachment with peers who use and abuse drugs by an adolescent can also make the same engage in drug use and subsequent addiction.

In his consultative review, Schmidt et al (2006) underscores the intrinsic disparities regarding treatment of drug use and abuse and contends that these are influenced by cultural values and beliefs that the specific societies assume. In particular, the representation of minority groups in seeking treatment related to drug addiction has been reportedly low. Generally, it should be appreciated that the minority groups, besides having similar health disorders as the rest of the population, do not have access to effective heath care. While this has been greatly attributed to by their economic wellbeing and legal status in the country, culture and ethnic concerns have also contributed to this significantly. To begin with, language as an important component of culture has been identified as one of the factors that undermine the effective utilization of treatment of drug addiction. Specifically, it is posited that language barriers prevent the minority populations from following the instructions of the physicians as well as their prescriptions. In some instances this has also contributed to their skipping of important appointments. Notably, this compromises the effectiveness of the treatment program. In particular, it makes the patients to use misguided information during treatment. Of great concern however is the fact that this frustrates the efforts and dedication of the physicians in helping the patients recuperate ( Durrant & Thakker, 2003).

Further, lack of culturally responsive health care services for the minority populations also prevents them from seeking treatment. Specifically, Brodie (2002) cites that the therapies do not provide for sufficient family privacy. This is further compounded by the stigmatization that the society accords drug addicts. A study conducted by Schmidt et al (2006) in 2005 in the state of Arizona found out that the inherent stigmatization from the society and the health personnel makes it makes the patients simply feel embarrassed. This culminates in feelings of frustration and guilt. As a result, the minority patients tend to abandon treatment of drug addiction altogether. This increases their possibility to resuming the practice in future.

Lack of vital information regarding the availability of treatment of drug addiction has also been identified as a structural flaw that undermines the accessibility of the minority communities to these services. This is contributed to by language barrier that makes it difficult for the affected population to access vital information. In addition, low level of awareness amongst such population has also been contributed to by limited efforts by the government towards achieving the same. Furthermore, the poor economic status of the minority in America also influences drug addiction (Durrant & Thakker, 2003). Usually, the poor resort to drug use and abuse in order to attain a ‘temporary relieve’ from the numerous economic challenges that face them. In addition, it is indicated that the environments within which they reside are disorganized and encourage use of drugs. As indicated earlier, such social environments make them vulnerable to drug abuse. More over, they not only lack awareness about treatment programs but also lack vital financial resources to cater for the medical bills. Economic statistics affirm that a great percentage of the poor do not have medical insurance that would cater for their medical expenses.

Heath (2000) also ascertains that there are numerous customary practices that are socially acceptable and contribute to drug use and abuse. At this juncture, it is noteworthy that the society conducts certain customs and employs drugs and alcohol for various reasons. Indeed, it can not be disputed that alcohol is widely used in societal ceremonies and is considered a normal social act. Addiction in this instance is entirely depended on the frequency of holding such ceremonies. In this consideration, White (1996) posits that the higher the frequency of such events, the higher the probability of alcohol and/ or drug addiction and vice versa.

In some cultures, it is indicated that drug abuse and addiction is encouraged unknowingly at a tender age. This is because of the fact that alcohol and wine are considered a normal constituent of the daily diet. In such cases, children consume the same from an early age and the possibility of addiction tends to increase with time. This trend is very common in Spain and China as children consume the alcohol as part of meals and more quantities during family celebrations. In his study, Heath (2000) reported that some parents in the rural parts of Mexico consider alcohol as medicine. In particular, they employ it in treating stomach disorders. While this may be intended for medicinal purposes, its addictive nature contributes to abuse. In his review of the impacts of alcoholism to children, Brodie (2002) points out that one way in which children are introduced to liquor at an early age is through tasting when they are sent to buy beer in rural areas of Africa.

Multicultural issues related to drug abuse require integrated approaches that would address the issue without having to impact negatively on the cultural wellbeing of the society. This can be achieved by making cultural issues a mainstream factor in the current therapeutic approaches. In addition, preventive and curative measures also need to factor in the cultural aspects of the population. Further, South (1998) indicates that there would be need to review the current economic and social inequalities that deter the participation of the minority groups in treatment. In order for all these to yield maximum and desirable outcomes, there is need to incorporate them in to the law and enforce the same accordingly.

Conclusion

Multicultural issues of drug addiction have varied implications on the wellbeing of individuals and societies as a whole. It is certain that various cultural aspects such as religious teachings and traditional taboos and beliefs are very influential and deeply ingrained in the society and as such, they can not be easily abandoned. Thus the best approach to addressing this is to create awareness and improve the effectiveness of the current intervention approaches by mainstreaming cultural concerns in the same. Other vital concerns of multicultural issues and addiction include the gender and economic disparities that compound the issue. Certainly, their impact on the multicultural issues of drug addiction is overwhelming.

References

Brodie, J. (1996). High Anxieties: The Cultural Context of Addiction and Drug Abuse. California: University Press.

Durrant, R. & Thakker, J. (2003). Understanding Substance Abuse. USA: Sage.

Heath, D. (2000). Alcohol and Culture. USA: Greenwood Press.

Schmidt, T., Greenfield, M., & Mulia, N. (2006).Unequal Treatment. Alcohol and Health, 27, 49-56.

South, N. (1998). Drugs: Culture and Daily Lives. USA: Sage.

Wells, K. & Wap, R. (2007). Drug Use and Abuse amongst the Minority. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157, 2026-36.

White, L. (1996).From Culture to Addiction. USA Hazelden.

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