Asian-American Alcohol and Drug Treatment

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Asian-American Alcohol and Drug Treatment

With the melting pot of the United States, there are a number of cultures that have become fully assimilated with the American fabric of society. Perhaps none have so fully taken advantage of everything this country has to offer like Asian-Americans. But where to Asian-Americans turn when they are struggling with addiction?

Challenges of Asian-American Drug Addiction and Alcoholism Treatment

There are a number of cultural issues that come into play when attempting to treat an Asian-American suffering from addiction. For one thing there is a pervasive attitude about psychological conditions with Asian cultures that present a problem. Simply put, among Asian families, there is a tendency to believe that any condition of the mind (such as addiction) is not a real problem. That means many men and women of Asian descent will not seek the addiction treatment help they need. Also, families are much less likely to provide support for their loved ones living with addiction if they do not take the matter seriously.

Also, Asian cultures place a great emphasis on self-control. Addiction represents a loss of control, and as such many men and women will be fearful of seeking help for their condition. Drug rehab programs help address this issue by creating specific behavior regimens that, if followed, can lead to a long-lasting sobriety.

Addiction Treatment for Asian-Americans

Although there are few stated addiction treatment centers that treat Asian-Americans exclusively, there are a number of rehab centers that have grown into this role as a result of their proximity to large numbers of that population segment. For example, if an addiction treatment center opens for business is downtown San Francisco, there is a chance that they will see a good number of Asian patients. As time passes, and the treatment modalities used at this facility mature, it will literally turn into an Asian-American drug and alcohol rehab center.

Common Drug Addictions among Asian-Americans

Although there are a wide variety of different addictions among Asian-Americans, the most commonly found are:

• Cocaine addiction
• Prescription drug addiction (including OxyContin, Vicodin, Amphetamines, etc.)
• Alcohol addiction
• Gambling addiction (although this is not a drug addiction, gambling is a very wide spread problem among Asians in the United States, as many have lost their entire savings as a result of this condition).

Finding Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Asian-Americans

Individuals in need of alcohol and drug rehab are urged to consult their doctor or psychiatrist about locating help. These medical professionals are connected to the addiction treatment community and can offer a number of solutions to help the individual start their journey towards recovery.