Why Is Cultural Sensitivity Important When Treating Diverse Families in Addiction Recovery?

Individuals from all backgrounds are diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD). Treatment programs should be prepared to provide culturally relevant treatments for clients from diverse backgrounds. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), "The role of culture should be considered during initial intakes and interviews, in screening and assessment processes, and in the development of treatment planning." West Coast Recovery Centers ensures cultural sensitivity in treatment by providing culturally competent treatment options to individuals recovering from SUD. 

Why Is Cultural Sensitivity Important During Treatment for Sud?

Cultural sensitivity ensures treatment programs and clinicians accommodate all clients. According to Health Psychology, “Patient-centered culturally sensitive health care has the following specific characteristics:”

• (A) it emphasizes . . . implementing health care center policies, and displaying physical health care center environment characteristics and policies that culturally diverse patients identify as indicators of respect for their culture and that enable these patients to feel comfortable with, trusting of, and respected by their health care providers and office staff; 
• (B) it conceptualizes the patient-provider relationship as a partnership that emerges from patient centeredness; and 
• (C) it is patient empowerment oriented.

Clients and their loved ones deserve to be treated with respect and given support appropriate to their medical, personal, and cultural preferences. Cultural sensitivity ensures clients receive the best care for their unique circumstances. Clinicians are trained to recognize when to adapt treatment plans to incorporate culturally relevant and sensitive services. Clients are encouraged to let their care team know if they require any additional accommodations to improve the effectiveness of treatment. 

How Do Different Cultural Needs Impact Treatment Planning?

Everyone looks at addictive behaviors and symptoms of SUD through the context of their cultural expectations and beliefs. Cultures view various aspects of addiction and recovery in different ways, impacting how individuals approach their treatment. 

Some examples of different cultural needs in recovery include: 

• Acknowledging and accommodating diverse spiritual or religious beliefs
• Personalizing therapy to include traditional healing methods and practices
• Being sensitive to language barriers and dietary preferences

Treatment planning allows clinicians and support staff to ensure clients feel heard and respected by their care team. 

How Can Treatment Programs Adapt to Cultural Preferences?

Treatment programs adapt to cultural preferences by doing the following: 

• Ensuring clients have access to program and recovery information in their native or preferred language
• Training clinicians to recognize and understand cultural nuances surrounding addiction recovery 
• Incorporating traditional healing practices as a complementary treatment during rehabilitation
• Respecting each client's spiritual, cultural, and dietary traditions and practices 
• Encouraging families to participate in aspects of therapy 

West Coast Recovery Centers uses personalized treatment plans to ensure each client can access the support and services needed to establish healthy routines and sustain sobriety. Clients and their families are guided through preparing for long-term recovery in a way relevant to their everyday experiences. 

Why Prioritize Cultural Sensitivity?

West Coast Recovery Centers prioritizes cultural sensitivity to ensure all clients feel welcomed and empowered by the care team. Everyone deserves the same high level of services and care. Clinicians collaborate closely with clients to ensure they receive the types of treatments they need to manage their condition successfully. 

Cultural competency and knowledge also improve the lives of clinicians and other staff members. According to SAMHSA, "To provide culturally responsive treatment services, counselors, other clinical staff, and organizations need to become aware of their own attitudes, beliefs, biases, and assumptions about others." Increasing self-awareness to provide better client care makes clinicians and treatment programs better at serving individuals in recovery. 

Moreover, as SAMHSA highlights. “For clients and counselors, worldviews shape one's:”

• Concept of time.
• Definition of family.
• Organization of priorities and responsibilities.
• Orientation to self, family, and/or community.
• Religious or spiritual beliefs.
• Ideas about success.

Diverse families each have unique needs and preferences. Prioritizing cultural sensitivity ensures clinicians provide clients with relevant support and services. Addiction recovery programs are tailored to ensure clients feel confident in their care team and comfortable with the treatments offered. 

How Can People in Recovery Express Their Cultural Needs?

People in treatment for SUD face many challenges. Individuals from diverse backgrounds often find locating the resources they need more difficult. West Coast Recovery Centers is a leader in providing culturally competent individualized care for people in recovery. 

Individuals can express their cultural needs by doing the following: 

• Advocate for cultural inclusivity and education 
• Share their story with peers and clinicians 
• Make requests for inclusion of cultural activities and rituals during therapy 
• Communicate personal values with the care team 

West Coast Recovery Centers respects and values the opinions, preferences, and beliefs of all clients. Culturally diverse families can rely on the care team to provide relevant treatments and resources. Case managers and clinicians are trained to anticipate needs and recognize opportunities for incorporating culturally appropriate therapies, rituals, or customs into each client's treatment plan. 

America is full of diverse families and different cultural traditions. Treatment programs reflect the diversity of clients by offering culturally sensitive care plans. Every person is valued and given a voice. Diverse client experiences provide clinicians with an opportunity to learn and grow. Cultural sensitivity also ensures the care team understands how to accommodate clients' cultural traditions, personal preferences, and needs in recovery. West Coast Recovery Center offers a range of culturally competent, traditional healing methods. Clients are also provided with personalized treatment plans to ensure they can access the resources and services they need to heal. Learn more about our treatment programs by calling us today at (760) 492-6509.