ABSTRACT

Different ethnic groups have major differences in their social makeup and values that to a major degree must be understood in evaluating and treating substance abuse. This is of substantial importance in evaluating patterns of substance abuse and tolerance of the abuse in the developmental stages. It is also important in using the family and the community to rally to the assistance of the abuser when rehabilitation is underway. This chapter is not meant to be complete but only to indicate something of the variation among groups and how this may influence outcome. Issues that arise in various cultures are listed in Table 80.