Abstract
Generally, the relationship between culture and substance use has been explored in two ways. Firstly, high rates of substance use and related problems amongst indigenous and migrant populations generated interest in genetics and cultural susceptibility. Acculturation-strain type theories suggested the stress of culture-change increased the risk of substance use and related harm. Secondly, there has been an increasing emphasis on taking account of the diversity of social, psychological, and cultural factors in the assessment and treatment of alcohol- and drug-use-associated problems. Utilization of ethnocultural factors as a means to promote recovery from alcohol- and drug-use-associated problems is a feature of culturally congruent interventions. Mäori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and this paper outlines the background to the increasing inclusion of customary Mäori values, beliefs, and practices in interventions in the development of culturally congruent programs.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Terry Huriwai
Terry Huriwai is a Mäori of Te Arawa and Ngäti Porou descent. He is a Probation Officer by Profession, however his interest in alcohol- and drug-use-related issues, and his involvement in a Mäori Treatment service (Te Rito Arahi), saw him employed part-time at the National Centre for Treatment Development (Alcohol, Drugs, & Addiction) (NCTD) as a Lecturer. He is now at the Ministry of Health. His research interests and publications to date relate mainly to advancing culturally safe and responsive interventions for Mäori. He is a keen hiker, hunter, and fisherman looking for more time to indulge these passions.