Question

Race, Ethnic, Culture, and Class Issues

Social workers in Minneapolis have discovered that many of their Somali American clients are using a substance called “khat,” a leaf that includes an amphetamine. Some of these clients report that they use it so that they can “talk more easily.” The social workers are concerned that khat produces a severe depression, but they do not know what the real dangers are.

What recommendations would you make to the social workers about dealing with the Somali American population? How would you suggest they approach the issue of substance use? Do you believe that this population is at risk for addiction issues?

Answer 1

Amphetamine dependence can result in a rapid downward spiral of a person’s abilities to cope with work- and family-related obligations and stresses. A person who abuses amphetamines requires increasingly high doses of amphetamine to obtain the usual high, and physical signs of amphetamine abuse (e.g., decreased weight and paranoid ideas) almost always develop with continued abuse.

Ans 1 Recommedations for dealing with the somali population may include screening of this group by a Psychiatrist for psychiatric illnesses. Amphetamine dependence can cause a host of psychiatric problems like Amphetamine induces psychotic disorder, Amphetamine induces Mood disorder, Amphetamine induced Anxiety disorder, sexual dysfunction, sleep disoder and OCD. Thus this group must be screened for psychiatric illness and asked to undergo necessary treatment

Ans 2 Substance abuse is a common problem not just in this population but every population and needs evaluation by a Psychiatrist. Social workers can help promote awareness for the problem which may encourage people to take help themselves.

Ans 3 Since the somali worklers are essentially migrant workers they face challenges everyday and may have a language barrier restricting their work effectiveness and may even feel discriminated because of the above. To overcome these feelings they mighy be abusing the substance and may be at risk of dependence and other health issues. They have a an 'internal locus of control' for substance abuse.