Recovery capital among migrants and ethnic minorities: A qualitative systematic review of first-person perspectives

Abstract

This systematic review of 15 qualitative studies explores recovery capital among migrants and ethnic minorities (MEM). The results of the framework analysis indicate that addressing barriers to recovery and (often minority-related) root causes of problem substance use is vital to recovery among MEM, as well as building recovery capital on personal, social and community level. The review unpacks the importance of 'cultural' and 'spiritual' elements of recovery capital both inside and outside treatment, the interconnectedness of the different dimensions of recovery capital, as well as their intertwinement with root causes of substance use and barriers to recovery. The results point out the importance of offering culturally and trauma-sensitive relational support and building recovery capital through recovery-oriented systems of care. Moreover, this study highlights the need for further research concerning recovery in MEM populations.

Recovery Capital among Migrants and Ethnic Minorities in Recovery from Problem Substance Use: An Analysis of Lived Experiences

“…The lack of 12-step involvement among study participants is consistent with literature reporting unique barriers toward mutual aid groups for MEM, often related to cultural differences [ 56 ]. Several authors have pointed out the importance of cultural sensitivity in mutual aid groups to overcome these barriers [ 7 , 57 ].…”

“…Thus, social recovery capital often functions as a bridge towards other types of recovery capital and can therefore be a driving force within recovery processes [ 47 , 59 , 60 ]. However, among MEM with problem substance use, developing a recovery-supportive social network can be challenging due to encounters with stigma and discrimination, as well as migration- and substance use-related experiences of loss [ 7 , 61 ].…”

“…Savage and colleagues [ 4 ] point out that these risk factors are often consistently present between ethnic groups, suggesting that they are largely universal in their effects, regardless of individuals’ cultural background or migration history. While there is a long-standing tradition of investigating the epidemiology of substance use problems among MEM, as well as related risk and protective factors [ 1 ], less is known about factors contributing to addiction recovery [ 7 ]. Furthermore, research suggests the need for rich and exploratory studies concerning recovery from problem substance use across people from different MEM backgrounds [ 4 ], taking into account different ecological levels [ 8 , 9 ].…”

“…The personal level comprises physical resources (including physical health and financial assets) and human recovery capital (including personal values, skills, and knowledge). The social level encompasses meaningful relationships and social networks that are supportive of recovery, whereas the community level consists of community and cultural attitudes, policies, and resources [ 7 , 10 ].…”

“…Yet, knowledge of addiction recovery resources through the eyes of those who identify themselves as MEM remains limited, particularly in Europe [ 7 ]. The aims of this paper are therefore threefold: (1) to gain insight into the first-person perspectives of a diverse sample of MEM in recovery from problem substance use; (2) to explore personal, social, and community recovery resources that facilitate recovery (i.e., recovery capital) in this population; and (3) to elucidate barriers toward recovery.…”