Recovery capital among migrants and ethnic minorities: A qualitative systematic review of first-person perspectives

Abstract

This systematic review of 15 qualitative studies explores recovery capital among migrants and ethnic minorities (MEM). The results of the framework analysis indicate that addressing barriers to recovery and (often minority-related) root causes of problem substance use is vital to recovery among MEM, as well as building recovery capital on personal, social and community level. The review unpacks the importance of “cultural” and “spiritual” elements of recovery capital both inside and outside treatment, the interconnectedness of the different dimensions of recovery capital, as well as their intertwinement with root causes of substance use and barriers to recovery. The results point out the importance of offering culturally and trauma-sensitive relational support and building recovery capital through recovery-oriented systems of care. Moreover, this study highlights the need for further research concerning recovery in MEM populations.

Keywords:

• Framework analysis
• alcohol
• drugs
• dependence
• addiction
• culture

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest to disclose with the submission of this manuscript.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1 In what follows we will use the term “migrants and ethnic minorities” as this combined term stresses the individual aspect and history of migration, the “groupness” of belonging to an ethnic minority, as well as the societal denomination and categorization by ethnicity and its consequences (De Kock et al., 2017). This terminology is also used in policy documents such as the WHO report on migrant health (Rechel et al., 2011). Additionally, this broad terminology allows us to identify how various migration and ethnicity related mechanisms influence recovery in different ways.

2 Problem substance use prevalence is one of five key epidemiological indicators used by the EMCDDA to monitor aspects of substance use phenomena across the European Union. The implementation of this indicator is supported by resolutions of the Council of the European Union. It refers to “recurrent drug use that is causing actual harms (negative consequences) to the person (including dependence, but also other health, psychological or social problems) or is placing the person at a high probability/risk of suffering such harms” (Thanki & Vicente, 2013, p. 3). Problem substance use can include temporary increased use as well as for instance “substance misuse.”

3 Smudging is an Indigenous ceremony that involves the burning of sacred herbs to purify one’s self and thoughts (Browne et al., 2016; Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., 2017).

4 This refers to the sweat lodge ceremony, an Indigenous tradition that “serves to purify those undergoing any sort of transformation or healing” (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 319).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the FWO (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, ref. 3G0A6518), and the BOF (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds, ref. BOF24Y2017002301).