A support group is an essential component of recovery, but for individuals who speak primarily Spanish, finding one can be challenging. This article discusses a new program that aims to help bridge the gap for Hispanic amputees by offering a Spanish-speaking group. It joins other Spanish-language offerings from Hazelden Betty Ford, including an intensive outpatient program and mental health services; an educational and support program for families--accessible everywhere at no cost right in their own homes regardless of whether a family member is in treatment; and a roster of recovery-oriented supportive literature from Hazelden Publishing.
In addition to language barriers, the Latino community faces other unique challenges that may contribute to their higher than average rates of substance abuse and dependence. Some of these factors include poverty, acculturation and trauma, as well as the stigma associated with seeking help for a mental health condition.
As the number of people of Hispanic descent continues to rise in the United States, it is more important than ever that resources are available that can address their specific needs and overcome barriers that they face. This is why it’s so important to ask whether a treatment program offers services in both English and Recovery Support Group for Spanish speaking individuals, and to read online reviews from previous patients.
Founded in the 1980s, La Familia is a California-based organization that provides mental health and community support services to the Latino community. It understands the complex issues that the community struggles with and aims to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care to reduce social vulnerability.
It provides behavioral health and social services, including substance use treatment, to low-income families in the Bay Area of California and beyond. It also fights to improve the quality of life for the community by providing community development and organizational development support.
A new study suggests that a combination of social and economic factors may be contributing to the increase in alcohol and drug addiction among the Latino population in the U.S. In addition to racial and ethnic bias, poverty, inadequate access to education and high unemployment levels can all contribute to a greater prevalence of substance use disorders.
In a recent study, researchers found that the majority of traumatic brain injury (TBI) support groups offered in Illinois were for people who spoke only English. While a majority of participants were interested in joining a TBI support group, they did not participate because they were unfamiliar with the program or were worried about being the only person who spoke Spanish.
Designed to be a more inclusive option for Spanish-speaking individuals, this TBI support group will meet twice per month. It will use the Trabajadora de Salud model, based on Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, with additional components specific to Hispanic culture and the broader community of TBI survivors. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, provide and receive peer support, problem solve together and learn about community resources. The group will be led by a Certified Peer Visitor who speaks Spanish.
