Support for the effectiveness of culturally competent drug and alcohol treatment, policy planning and programme development

Abstract

With a rapidly diversifying US population, alcohol and other drug treatment providers are finding increasing need to focus on culturally competent interventions. While the research on such interventions is somewhat limited, existing empirical findings suggest the efficacy of cultural competence in treatment, policy planning and programme development. Research on culturally competent mental health and drug and alcohol treatment is reviewed, suggestions are made for future research efforts, and areas of particular effectiveness are highlighted. The use of existing research emphasizes the urgency of the move towards more culturally competenttreatment models.