Drug Problems among Immigrants and Refugees in the Netherlands and the Dutch Health Care and Treatment System

Abstract

Immigration from former colonies and the influx of refugees whose disadvantaged situation in society often leads to drug problems is described. The Dutch Government provides for a wide variety of services for drug users which include programs for minorities like the Surinamese, Moluccan, Moroccan, and Turkish communities. However, they are either executed poorly or are based too much on “White” methods. An account of a survey about the current situation of Black Surinamese women in the Netherlands is given, and the situation of refugees in the Netherlands as it relates to drug use is described. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]