Dhagan Celis (Cultural Rehabilitation): Somali Canadians Transnational Approach to Youth Substance Use.

Abstract

Evidence suggests that some Somali youth who settled in Canada struggle with substance use problems, yet research remains limited in understanding the Somali community's experiences and struggles in supporting their youth affected by substance use. This study aims to contribute important knowledge in understanding substance use among Somali Canadian youth and access to treatments in Canada and the transnational cultural healing services available in East Africa. Qualitative interviews (n = 37) were conducted in a metropolitan Canadian city and Nairobi, Kenya, from May 2016 to May 2017. In addition, a field study (n = 4) of rehabilitation centers in Kenya was carried out. Through thematic analysis, five main themes were identified: (i) discrimination and racism in the school environment, (ii) emotional pain and self-medication, (iii) low literacy on substance use and treatment in the Canadian context, (iv) stigma, and (v) dhagan celis (cultural rehabilitation) in transnational setting. The study provides evidence of the need to address substance use and trauma among refugee youth in the post-resettlement context especially as Canada currently deals with a significant public health crisis in the form of opioid overdose and substance use.