Multicultural counseling efficacy focuses on the ability of the counselor to understand and configure their approach in counseling to that which best suits the cultural diversity of the client. There are specific issues that affect certain cultural age group (Carney, Myers, Louw & Okwundu, 2014), such as the older society was brought up in a different social climate than that of the current adolescent group. Cultural beliefs and social climate could become a deterrent within the counseling session. Society has place limitations on today’s youth they have a feeling of invincibility, they are more easily influenced and simply throw caution to the wind, and because of this many are less candid when speaking to a counselor. The practices of …show more content…
Most clients can link their drug abuse or addiction to a dominant culture within the community. For instance, in cases of tobacco and marijuana use some addicts start at an early age since the culture allows them to engage in the drug use such as the Rastafarian culture. In most cases the addictions will progress due to lack of limitations on drugs access of the children and adolescents to the drug (Carney & Myers, 2012). The home environment could also be conducive for the development of the substance abuse and behavioral tendencies, therefore and understanding of a client’s specific parenting background of the child in terms of the controls and morals instilled must be acknowledged (Tanner-Smith, Wilson & Lipsey, 2013). Presence of or lack of controls is a predicator in the development of addiction and …show more content…
The majority of the neighborhoods have some common practices that they uphold, most informal settlements have come to accept the practice of continued drug use (Strom, Adolfsen, Fossum, Kaiser & Martinussen, 2014). Some drugs are considered less harmful and engaging in their use is deemed normal. Community practices may also lead to the development of some rites of passages (Kumar, Rao, Earla & Kumar, 2015). For instance, at some age, the parents or guardians may allow the children to taste their alcoholic drinks. The fact that the permission to indulge comes from the parents, thus making the behavior acceptable. Cultural factors such as religious beliefs often affect the tendency of teenagers engaging in risky behavior, substance use and developing addictions (Lindsey, Stewart & Childress, 2012). For those individuals and communities that are not religious the definition of what is right and wrong is not prescribed by a certain theological doctrine. Therefore teenagers are often forced to take what they are told in their homes as the truth about the right and wrong. If the home environment does not follow the set of morality concepts outlined in the Bible there often lack the direction. Since there is no other credible source of direction for the teenagers, they often resort to their peers or the common culture
Straussner, S.L.A., (2001). Ethnocultural Factors in Substance Abuse Treatment. (254 & 261). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Kim, B. S. K., Ng, G. S., & Ahn, A. J. (2005). Effects of client expectation for counseling success, client-counselor worldview match, and client adherence to asian and european american cultural values on counseling process with asian americans. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52, 67-76.
Straussner, S. L. A. (2001). Ethnocultural factors in substance abuse treatment. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
The diversity among clients and the counselor is an issue that has recently come to the forefront. The counselor must be very cautious and sensitive to the cultural values of their clients, gender and gender preference, age, language preference, ethnicity, and spirituality and religious beliefs.
Substance abuse is a rapidly growing issue in today’s society. Drug addictions hinder and restrain people from everyday life events, dreams, accomplishments, and the relationships they have with friends and family members. A common reoccurring problem related to substance abuse is the issue of peer influence and peer pressure on trying and using drugs, which can vary from alcohol, tobacco and even the use of prescription drugs. The negative influences of peer pressure may promote drug use which can further lead to an addictive behaviour, not just to one drug, but to a multiple combination of drugs. Both social and economic factors, lead to substance abuse and many negative issues such as losing your job, friends, family and your purpose in life, these are all potential issues that may occur if ones addiction is not dealt with in time. Therefore, preventive measures need to be taken in order to address substance abuse and to prevent future generations from falling prey to the circulating drugs present in our society today. This paper will determine how the social and economic influences puts adolescents at a risk for developing an addiction to substances, it will also develop possible solutions and strategies in order to prevent addictive behaviours from forming, as well as strategies that can possibly address and prevent drug problems in Canada. Drug problems need to be resolved and addressed now, before they continue to further create negative factors for the people in Canadian society.
Remember, self-reflection is vital to becoming a culturally-competent counselor. The counselor should consistently re-examine their worldview and personal beliefs about diverse individuals and other cultures. The idea is for the counselor to explore their own prejudices, emotions, and preconceived notions of those that differ from themselves. Remaining curious and willing to learn about culturally distinct groups is a practical way of working effectively with varied clients in counseling and understanding what barriers and prejudices are typical in their
Understanding race, ethnicity, and culture is an extremely important aspect of being a counselor. If an individual does not have cultural identity of their own or understand his or herself as a cultural, ethnic, or racial individual, it may be difficult to help your clients. Understanding and being aware of your cultural identity will help the counselor be conscious of their own prejudice. Being aware of your own prejudice towards any culture, race, or ethnic group may help you redirect your negative thinking into a positive active role as a counselor. Having awareness will make an individual an improved counselor able to empathize and understand any individual who seeks therapy.
Every single person in an addict’s immediate family is affected in some way by the individual’s substance abuse. In recent years, our society has moved further away from the traditional nuclear family. There are single-parent homes and blended family homes. Each of these family structures and more will affect the addict’s overall impact on the family. If young children are a part of the family, their
A therapist will face problems, issues and client troubles everyday. The professional must understand how their client relates to the world around them. These feelings and ideas affect how the client sees the problem and how they respond to their situation. Their actions, in turn, have bearing on individual thoughts, needs, and emotions. The therapist must be aware of the client's history, values, and culture in order to provide effective therapy. This paper will outline and provide information as to the importance of cultural competence and diversity in family therapy.
Drug and alcohol abuse has become a worldwide epidemic within today’s society. The battle against drugs and alcohol is not going to diminish. Therefore, we as a society need to work together to address these problems while incorporating successful treatment plans and services for these individuals. The addiction to these substances does not only effect oneself, but can also have profound consequences for the children and families. When children are involved in a family structure that abuses alcohol or drugs an array of dysfunction becomes evident. Children might be subjected to child maltreatment, child abuse, physical/sexual abuse, or neglect, among many other inappropriate parenting practices.
Parents are the primary reason for teen drug use. If a parent builds a strong family foundation adolescents would be less needy of things outside of the home. The lack of communication between teens and their gardians leave teens feeling empty and in turn they experiment with drugs and other addictive substances. The opposition may argue that the main cause of adolescent drug use is the media, peer pressure, and drug dealers. Teens use drugs because they have no true guidance. They lack something in the home whether it is someone to talk to, morals, values, or even responsib...
...olescences to abuse drugs depending on the influencing stimuli. We must educate the adolescences on respectable behavior and consequences to drug seeking behaviors and addiction.
Before being capable of fighting the use of drugs and alchol, one must come to an understanding of why some people use drugs. The decision to ultimately use drugs is influenced mainly in childhood. Whether in a poor ?ghetto? neighborhood, or in a middle-class suburb, all children are vulnerable to the abuse of drugs. Most high-risk children are effected by personal and family circumstances (Falco 51). If a child?s parents are substance abusers, then it is a fairly safe prediction that the child will abuse drugs later in life. Also, early-life experiments with drugs greatly increases the chance of abuse later in life. Academic problems, and rebellious, anti-social behavior in elementary school are also linked to drug problems, in addition to truancy, delinquency, and ear...
It has been discovered that most people who struggle with drug addiction began experimenting with drugs in their teens. Teenage drug abuse is one of the largest problems in society today and the problem grows and larger every year. Drugs are a pervasive force in our culture today. To expect kids not to be influenced by the culture of their time is as unrealistic as believing in the tooth fairy (Bauman 140). Teens may feel pressured by their friends to try drugs, they may have easy access to drugs, they may use drugs to rebel against their family or society, or they may take an illegal drug because they are curious about it or the pleasure that it gives them.
Children are introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age. Many of them see alcohol and drugs in their homes, used by their parents on daily bases. Some of these children don't even realize that it is wrong, "not normal", and not accepted in other homes until they are old enough to understand that situation in their home is a problem and that it is wrong. Minors usually begin using alcohol at around age 13. Statistics show that by the time they are high school sinners, 81 percent of teens have used alcohol. Alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse are more widespread among young people than many adults realize. Drug abuse is also very high.