Spanish Speaking Substance Abuse Treatment

Some individuals who attend substance abuse treatment need the option of multiple language or foreign language treatment. Individuals who speak Spanish as their native language may want to consider attending Spanish speaking substance abuse treatment in order to receive the most beneficial treatment possible.

Is Spanish Speaking Substance Abuse Treatment Necessary?

Absolutely. There are many individuals who speak both English and Spanish and even those who speak primarily Spanish in the United States today. According to the Census Bureau, “Among the most common non-English languages in 2011, Spanish experienced growth in the past several years.” Spanish is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the US and Spanish speakers should have the opportunity to attend treatment with Spanish speaking doctors, nurses, therapists, and patients.

In some cases, the individual patient may not speak any or very much English so the barrier of English-only substance abuse treatment can make it difficult for them to receive all of the benefits from their treatment that English speakers receive. Furthermore, some individuals do speak both Spanish and English but feel more comfortable speaking Spanish. This is why programs like this should exist as well, making a difficult time easier by allowing patients the ability to speak whichever language is more comfortable for them in treatment.

What is Treatment Like?

For Spanish-speaking people there are special rehab centers that operate in Spanish.

The treatment will be similar to English speaking substance abuse treatment apart from the language. Patients will still receive the same treatments for their addictions, including behavioral therapy, and just being able to better connect with their caregivers and their treatment plan when it is all in the language they are most comfortable with. Spanish speakers in group therapy can also bond over the shared experience of being Spanish speakers and be able to discuss their feelings freely in the language that comes most naturally to them.

In many cases, doctors and nurses at these facilities can speak both Spanish and English and patients are encouraged to express themselves in the way that is most beneficial for them. Treatment is basically the same, but the benefit of being able to express oneself fully in the language patients feel most comfortable using goes a long way.

Where Can I Find Substance Abuse Treatment for Spanish Speakers?

Spanish speaking substance abuse treatment can be found by searching for a specific facility that provides this kind of treatment to patients. When you search for a facility, it may state that both English and Spanish speakers are on staff, and calling the facility and asking how much of the program is in Spanish could help you in deciding if the facility is right for you.

There is even a toll free number for the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service that can be interacted with in both Spanish and English (NIAAA). Many patients who are looking for Spanish speaking substance abuse treatment may need to spend extra time finding the right facility, but it will be worth it if the patients feel as comfortable as possible in the facilities of their choosing.