cultural tendencies to keep substance use disorders within family networks and labels placed on minority groups that exhibit positive attributes — or the model minority myth. According to the research, the “model minority myth may be associated with low detection of substance use disorders and/or reluctance to seek treatment.”
Sahker’s study also showed that many AAPI who actively seek treatment opt for residential rather than hospital-based treatment facilities. “This may mean that treatment stigma is declining among AAPI and non-AAPI clients as well,” he said.
Strategies to address the growing number of AAPI seeking treatment include substance use treatment fostered in their communities, culturally tailored treatment, and fine-tuned services to assist with successful completion of treatment.
U.S. states that showed the largest increases in AAPI admissions to addiction treatment programs included Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Florida. Conversely, the states with the most significant decreases were Kentucky, Indiana, South Carolina, Louisiana and California.
The researchers are currently working on a follow-up study to understand how AAPI populations perform in treatment and determine treatment completion percentages. “Our research will hopefully help to improve a multicultural conceptualization by drawing attention to those most in need of services within the various AAPI communities,” Sahker said.
