McLean L. D. , Goldstein M., McGlinchy L., (2006), A Selective Literature Review: Immigration, Acculturation and Substance Abuse

McLean Leow D.  MSW

A Selective Literature Review:
Immigration, Acculturation
& Substance AbuseThe following report is the product of a selective review of the literature on
immigration, acculturation, and substance abuse among immigrants and refugees in the United States. Although adolescents were the primary focus of our review, we included literature on children and adult immigrant/refugee populations in our analysis. This research is part of a larger investigation, which will leverage the expertise of state funding agencies and local service providers of substance abuse services for immigrants and refugees. Drawing on their expertise and insight, we hope to pave the way for the development of more comprehensive, accessible, and culturally competent programs for the rapidly growing immigrant/refugee populations in the United States. Our literature review was guided by the following four research questions: Who
are today's immigrants? What challenges are commonly faced by immigrants? How do immigration and acculturation impact substance abuse among adolescent immigrant populations? What types of interventions and services are needed to help youth and their families deal with substance abuse and addiction?