The Impact of Pressure on Drug Treatment for Addicted Foreigners Facing Deportation in Germany

Abstract

Qualitative findings from interviews with addictions professionals at long-term residential treatment centers are presented in an exploration of the mutual effects of alternative measures to treatment under the Narcotics Act and residence-terminating measures under the Foreigners Act on drug-treatment access and quality for addicted foreigners facing drug-related charges in Germany. Results indicate that pressure associated with contradictory drug and migration policies led to reduced access to treatment but not necessarily quality of treatment. Treatment motivation and pressures associated with the uncertainty and threats of deportation as well as inconsistent application of drug and migration laws are discussed along with recommendations for future research.

Key Words:

• Addiction
• foreigners
• legal/residence status
• deportation
• treatment
• pressure and motivation