Ethnicity and Culture in the Group Therapy of Substance Abuse (From The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse, P 225-242, 2002, David W. Brook and Henry I. Spitz, eds. -- See NCJ-198401)

• NCJ Number: 198402
• Author(s): David W. Brook
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Medical Press
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter identifies and discusses ethnic and cultural issues in the group treatment of substance abusers and offers relevant clinical recommendations based on research studies and clinical experiences.

Abstract

In addressing the interactions of ethnicity and substance abuse, the chapter considers the relationship of ethnicity factors to the onset and maintenance of substance abuse, as well as research findings on ethnicity/culture and substance abuse. In examining the influence of ethnicity and culture on the group treatment of substance abusers, the author discusses the clinical implications of ethnicity and culture in transference and countertransference issues in the treatment of substance abusers, along with the relationship of ethnicity to pregroup preparation and group cohesion. Other treatment issues discussed are techniques for dealing with culture/ethnicity in the group treatment of substance abusers, and addressing acculturation difficulties that may impede efforts to achieve control over substance abuse. The author recommends that a culturally relevant, biopsychosocial approach be used in assessing substance abusers for group therapy. Another recommendation is that group therapists consider the interplay between ethnic and psychodynamic factors and the role of culture in channeling biopsychological drives. In addition, in a multicultural group for the treatment of substance abuse, the therapist should have an understanding of the influences of ethnicity/culture on the interactions in the group and on group cohesion, as well as of the development and maintenance of substance abuse. Further, since ethnic and cultural issues have profound effects on such group dynamic factors as transference, countertransference, and resistance, these ethnic influences should be discussed openly in the group or by the group therapist, especially if they involve substance abuse directly; otherwise, the group's cohesion can be adversely affected. 37 references