Epidemic of Opium Dependence Among Asian Refugees in Minnesota: Characteristics and Causes

• NCJ Number: 122521
• Journal: British Journal of Addiction Volume: 84 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1989) Pages: 785-789
• Author(s): J Westermeyer; T Lyfoung; J Neider
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

After several decades absence, opium smoking has reappeared in the U.S.

Abstract

Introduced by Indochinese refugees in the early 1980's, it has spread to several regions of the country. In this report the characteristics of refugee opium addicts are described. In addition, the factors contributing to a fertile situation for opium addiction are presented. Finally, implications of these findings and remedial recommendations are suggested. 40 references. (Author abstract)