Ethnocultural Factors in Substance Abuse Treatment

This is a superb, comprehensive primer for all clinicians. In uniformly thorough and clear chapters, the editor and contributing authors teach the reader how to think about the theoretical and practical significance of context and the multiple factors of race, ethnicity, and culture--always present and always wielding a critical influence. Reading this text is like learning a new language whose ideas and vocabulary open a wide new territory. In a world where diversity is normal, the concepts of cultural identity and ethnocultural conflict are key. This volume provides a map of cultural sensitivity that adds a vital, expanding dimension to traditional ways of thinking about addiction. It should be a basic text and clinical resource for years to come.--Stephanie Brown, PhD, Director, The Addictions Institute

This volume lays out the critical clinical issues involved in culturally competent practice. The authors provide a rich context for understanding current substance abuse patterns in an impressive range of ethnic groups--more than I have ever seen discussed under one cover. The information presented is well researched and referenced, and the authors do a nice job of avoiding rigidity in their recommendations. Several chapters address such groups within the culture as women, adolescents, and refugees, who have unique needs and for whom the clinician may need to vary his or her approach. The case examples give depth to the discussion and illustrate important intervention techniques. Social work students at all levels will find this text helpful. --Maryann Amodeo, MSW, PhD, Director, Alcohol and Drug Institute for Policy, Training and Research, and Associate Professor, Boston University School of Social Work
- An extraordinarily sensitive work on substance abuse treatment, offering clinically illustrated, expert discussion of addictive behavior and treatment within 19 distinct ethnocultural groups. --Choice, 12/15/2002