CLINICIAN BELIEFS AND PRACTICES RELATED TO INCREASING RESPONSIVITY TO THE NEEDS OF M<ovl>A</ovl>ORI WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROBLEMS

Abstract

Culturally responsive treatments are often cited as essential for successfully addressing substance use-associated problems in indigenous and other ethnic groups. However, there has been little investigation of the support for this assertion among alcohol and drug-user treatment workers, or how it might translate into clinical practice. The current paper reports on the results of a survey of the New Zealand alcohol and drug-user treatment field, which canvassed these issues. Eighty-six percent of respondents advocated adjustment of clinical practice when working with Măori. Two key strategies were referral to specialist Măori groups or individuals and/or contacting/meeting with whănau (family). Comparisons were made between respondents who referred clients on and those who provided intervention themselves. Implications of results, limitations and future research are discussed.