Culture & AODA Issues• What is culture? What

constitutes a special population?

• APA definition of culture: Ideas, beliefs and values that influence customs, norms, practices and social institutions

Approaches to Culture

• Emic - Viewing a culture through its own internal perspective, concepts and theories

• Etic - Viewing a culture through an external perspective, concept or approach

Three Levels of Culture

Concrete - The visible level of culture

• Behavioral - Includes communication, customs & how social roles are defined

• Symbolic - Includes values and beliefs

Culture & Recovery

• Is there a culture of addiction?What is considered “acceptable”?

• What is considered “unacceptable”?

• Is there a culture of recovery?What is expected for AODA treatment?

• What is viewed as prevention?