Communication is an integral element to alcoholism treatment in Montana, but what happens when the client and the therapist are speaking different languages? Alcoholism treatment programs for non-English-speaking individuals, or for individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL), have to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, and the ability to do so can be what determines the success of a treatment intervention.
The Language Barrier and Addiction
The language barrier between a foreign-born client and a local therapist is an example of one the areas of stress that immigrants face. It is on the same level as outright discrimination and racism, as well as adapting to local norms that are "migration stressors," in the words of the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.
A foreign-born client experiencing an inability to communicate in their native language will struggle to get a job, go to school, get directions, or ask for help with the inherent difficulty that comes with moving to, and living, in a place where they are not understood. This sense of frustration feeds into the homesickness that many immigrants feel. Trapped by their new surroundings and an inability to express themselves, they fall into a spiral of anxiety, depression, and the temptation to abuse alcohol (or other drugs) to bury their feelings.
Adjusting to a new country brings with it many psychological changes, a process known as "acculturation." Some of these changes are more of a struggle than others, and the language barrier is one of the biggest challenges facing many immigrants, especially those who have mental health concerns, which are not always immediately evident and need complex explanations. Various research has found that the positives and negatives of acculturation have a role to play in how newcomers engage with alcohol; some adopt increased drinking habits to better fit in with coworkers and classmates while others drink more to overcome their fears and frustrations about settling into a new home.
Involving Family in Second-Language Programs
Offering bilingual or multilingual treatment is not just a vital component of one-on-one therapy. Getting the client involved and engaged in group therapy, especially family therapy, is at the heart of the most effective treatment programs. Participation is a key element of these forms of treatment, and conversations can become emotional and animated. Giving clients a safe space to feel empowered to express themselves, and reassured that they will be fully understood, makes the goals of therapy that much easier to achieve.
Clients in rehab facilities must be in a position to communicate not just with their therapist, but with fellow clients and, most importantly, their family members, all under the auspices of a counselor. The members of a family unit are likely to share the same language, so it becomes all the more important for the psychologist moderating the therapy to understand what is being said, and to understand the implications, nuances, and subtexts that often come with family communication. This entails speaking to each member of the family directly, as part of educating the family about how alcoholism develops and what the family can do, both individually and collectively, to help their loved one's recovery.
Getting Help
There are multiple facilities in Montana which are ready to take up your case. All you need do is reach out to any one of them and get professional aid so that you can get started on the road to recovery.
