Optimal Treatment for Maori with Alcohol and Drug-Use-Related Problems: An Investigation of Cultural Factors in Treatment

There is an increasing emphasis on taking account of the diversity of social, psychological, and cultural factors in the assessment and treatment of alcohol and drug-use-related problems. In New Zealand the increasing use of customary Maori values, beliefs, and practices in the treatment of Maori with alcohol and drug-use-related problems has also been accompanied by the adaptation and integration of Western approaches to fit contemporary Maori sociocultural needs. This paper reports on an investigation of cultural factors and cultural identity in the alcohol and drug-user treatment of a clinical sample of Maori. The essential finding was a very high endorsement of the importance of cultural factors in treatment-irrespective of age, gender, mood, level of dependence, previous admissions, cultural connectedness, or whether they were treated in a Maori dedicated program or not. A significant number believed that a sense of belonging to an Iwi (tribe), identifying as a Maori and having pride in being Maori were also important in the recovery/healing process. The findings of this study support the need to investigate the relationship between specific "cultural factors" and other clinical components of effective treatment for Maori.