Abstract
ABSTRACT The situation of migrants with substance abuse problems has hardly been explored by German addiction research. The few existing studies show that patterns of substance abuse may be culturally transmitted and that they are affected by acculturation stress. In this study, data on 103 consecutive opiate dependent Turkish migrants was collected in an addiction counseling centre in Hamburg and analysed with the object to identify (1) specific aspects of migration stress associated with substance abuse and (2) possible protective factors for migrants. Data was collected on the course of addiction, on general socio-demographic and migration specific aspects and on areas of conflict. The mean age at initiation of regular opiate use was 19.7 years; at first contact with addiction services-27.2 years. The severity of dependence was significantly higher for individuals without partners, for individuals without previous inpatient treatment and for those with social and family conflicts. Protective family structures and the rather late age at first consumption are indications for a favourable prognosis if suitable therapeutic interventions are applied. However, health care strategies need to address barriers in the access to care for migrants, in order to allow for earlier interventions.
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