Substance Use Disorders Among Forcibly Displaced People: a Narrative Review

Elkholy, Hussien; Teck, Joseph Tay Wee; Arunogiri, Shalini; Asaad, Merit Ramses; Baessler, Franziska; Bhad, Roshan; Borghi, Emanuela Nadia; Busse, Anja; Ekhtiari, Hamed; Dave, Subodh; Ferri, Marica; Greene, M. Claire; Koob, George F.; Kouimtsidis, Christos; Krupchanka, Dzimtry; Nikendei, Christoph; Pipyrou, Stavroula; Poznyak, Vladimir; Volkow, Nora D.; White, Aaron M.; Zonoozi, Arash Khojasteh; Ezard, Nadine; Potenza, Marc N.; Baldacchino, Alexander

doi:10.1007/s40429-023-00467-6

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 74 publications

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“…Traditionally, some authors have argued that post-flight SUD might have its roots in the flight-related exacerbation of pre-existing substance use ( 18 ), while others regarded substance use as an attempt to cope with traumatic events in the sense of self-medication ( 64–66 ). Newer models try to consider both of those aspects and additionally try to take into account the influence of other psychological conditions or legal and social circumstances ( 67 ). In an attempt to understand the development of SUD and establish targeted interventions, it is not only necessary to identify the factors that contribute to SUD susceptibility, but also to identify the vulnerable timeframe, in which substance intake starts.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The burden of substance use and (mental) distress among asylum seekers: a cross sectional study

Solfrank,

Nikendei,

Zehetmair

et al. 2023

Front. Psychiatry

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BackgroundAsylum seekers are a particularly vulnerable population due to a wide range of external stressors. Traumatic events and difficult social/economic prospects can lead to an elevated susceptibility for substance use disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine whether asylum seekers suffering from mental or physical distress present higher levels of substance use disorder (SUD) in a state reception center in Germany and whether there are identifiable risk or protective factors.MethodsWe performed a hierarchical logistic regression on data of N = 238 people who had applied for asylum in Germany to analyze the SUD variance explanation by (1) sociodemographic, (2) flight-specific, and (3) psychometric (ERQ, SOC-9 L, SCL-K9) variables. On level (4), we included the location of data collection (walk-in clinic or accommodation,) as an indicator of individual’s need for a psychologist’s or General practitioner’s help in order to assess for the participant’s (mental) distress.ResultsLow educational level, lower sense of coherence, and mental distress (location of data collection in the psychosocial or general medical outpatient clinic) were associated with SUD. Those suffering from SUD seemed to be less aware of external stressors as SUD was also associated with low levels of reported post-migratory stress.DiscussionThe association of SUD with psychological distress and lower education reaffirms the concept that some vulnerable groups are at a higher risk for substance-related difficulties. Strengthening the sense of coherence with targeted interventions might enable at-risk groups to cope better with forthcoming burdens and help with abstaining from current or future consumption.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The burden of substance use and (mental) distress among asylum seekers: a cross sectional study

Solfrank,

Nikendei,

Zehetmair

et al. 2023

Front. Psychiatry

Self Cite

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“…Data on the epidemiology and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) in displaced communities is scarce. Existing studies indicate that substance use is present in many displaced communities, yet patterns of use and the burden vary [2]. Substance use prevention, SUD treatment and harm reduction services are included in humanitarian guidelines [3][4][5], but are rarely implemented in practice.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Displaced populations experience many risk factors for substance use and disorder. These risk factors include exposure to potentially traumatic events, chronic socio‐economic adversity and disrupted social networks and supports [2]. Data on the epidemiology and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) in displaced communities is scarce.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%