Black and minority ethnic communities in England: a review of the literature on drug use and related service provision
This literature review makes a significant contribution to understanding the needs of Black and minority ethnic communities in relation to drugs and the processes by which agencies could respond better to the needs of diverse populations.
Three key themes are evident in the complex relationship between ethnicity and illicit drug use:
- the lack of knowledge about the nature and extent of drug use amongst the UK’s Blackand minority ethnic groups
- that Black and minority ethnic groups are not homogeneous
- and the impact of social, economic and psychological factors on drug use.
These issues, coupled with the multi-dimensional nature of drug use, fears of accusations of racism, and a general lack of Black and minority ethnic health and social care workers and researchers, has created an environment where the issue of ethnicity, drug use and related service provision has been neglected.
Audience
This report is aimed at the providers and commissioners of drug treatment services and drug action teams.
The National Treatment Agency (NTA) is a special health authority, created by the Government in April 2001, with a remit to increase the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England. The overall purpose of the NTA is to: double the number of people in effective, well-managed treatment from 100,000 in 1998 to 200,000 in 2008; and to increase the proportion of people completing or appropriately continuing treatment, year on year. This is in line with the UK drugs strategy targets.
For further information please visit Black and minority ethnic communities in England: a review of the literature on drug use and related service provision.