Providing Culturally Specific Substance Abuse Services in Refugee and Immigrant Communities: Lessons from a Cambodian Treatment and Demonstration Project

Abstract

Several agencies interested in serving Cambodian immigrants established a substance abuse treatment demonstration project which included culturally specific elements such as co-therapy done by a bilingual, bicultural Cambodian worker and a mainstream American social worker; formation of an advisory committee with Cambodian members; home visiting and family involvement; emphasis on traditional cultural values as motivators; integration of Buddhist philosophy; and use of acupuncture for detoxification. In spite of careful planning and several program accomplishments, the program initially received few client referrals. A fact-finding process revealed several barriers, including stigmatization of substance abuse and few Cambodian providers with substance abuse training. Case vignettes and organizational and clinical recommendations are provided for community leaders and advisory groups working with other low-incidence refugee and immigrant populations.