“If the Barn Is Burning, Let the House Burn as Well”

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on the unique characteristics of drug abuse among former Soviet Union (FSU) immigrant drug addicts in Israel, as well as on special concerns faced by them during rehabilitation. It is based on in-depth interviews with Russian-speaking recovering addict counselors employed in addiction treatment centers. The findings point to the existence of a distinct "Russian" drug-abuse culture that is expressed through unique patterns of abuse, rapid deterioration, adherence to the "Russian" criminal moral code, and distinct norms of interpersonal relations. Furthermore, a complex relationship between this culture and the rehabilitation process was found, with cultural features having both negative as well as positive effects on patients' chances of successful recovery. A discussion is presented regarding the implications for treatment based on the interviewees' reflections as well as on existing literature.

Trajectories of Drug Abuse and Addiction Development Among FSU Immigrant Drug Users in Israel

“…Among immigrants, social norms structuring substance use in their society of origin generally endure after the relocation and continue to shape their patterns of use (Guarino et al, 2012). Studies of FSU immigrant drug users in Israel and the United States consistently point to their specific cultural patterns of drug use that were imported from their countries of origin: First, Russian-speaking addicts usually prefer heroin over other drugs (Guarino et al, 2012; Isralowitz et al, 2007; Ranz et al, 2012; Yakhnich, 2016a). Isralowitz and his colleagues (2006) reported that young drug users of FSU origin in the United States tend not to start with soft drugs, such as marihuana, but go straight to injecting heroin.…”

“…Isralowitz and his colleagues (2006) reported that young drug users of FSU origin in the United States tend not to start with soft drugs, such as marihuana, but go straight to injecting heroin. In addition, FSU immigrants, unlike the native Israeli and American users, are often involved in polydrug use and simultaneous drug and alcohol consumption (Guarino et al, 2012; Isralowitz et al, 2007; Ranz et al, 2012; Yakhnich, 2016a). Furthermore, many immigrant users have a tradition of compounding self-made drugs from medicines (Yakhnich, 2016a).…”

“…In addition, FSU immigrants, unlike the native Israeli and American users, are often involved in polydrug use and simultaneous drug and alcohol consumption (Guarino et al, 2012; Isralowitz et al, 2007; Ranz et al, 2012; Yakhnich, 2016a). Furthermore, many immigrant users have a tradition of compounding self-made drugs from medicines (Yakhnich, 2016a). The above patterns are linked to historical and cultural factors such as predominance of opium and the shortage of other substances on the Russian drug market that forced the addicts to develop drug-producing skills, as well as the cultural acceptance of heavy drinking that reinforced the tendency to combine drugs with alcohol (Guarino et al, 2012; Yakhnich, 2016a).…”

“…Furthermore, many immigrant users have a tradition of compounding self-made drugs from medicines (Yakhnich, 2016a). The above patterns are linked to historical and cultural factors such as predominance of opium and the shortage of other substances on the Russian drug market that forced the addicts to develop drug-producing skills, as well as the cultural acceptance of heavy drinking that reinforced the tendency to combine drugs with alcohol (Guarino et al, 2012; Yakhnich, 2016a).…”

“…A key characteristic of drug abuse among FSU immigrants is the “injection culture.” Multiple studies report Russian-speaking users’ high rates of injecting as compared with other cultural groups (Guarino et al, 2012; Isralowitz et al, 2007; Ranz et al, 2012; Yakhnich, 2016a). Injecting drugs exacerbates immigrant addicts’ medical problems and heightens their risk of vulnerability to infectious diseases (Isralowitz, Reznik, Rawson, & Hasson, 2009).…”