Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
Published on: May 31, 2019
Beyond Better Data: A Call for Improved Responses to Alcohol and Other Drug Harms Among Culturally and Linguistically
Winifred Asare-Doku1, Catherine Foley1, Robert Stirling2,3
1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract:
People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are recognised as a priority population in Australia's National Drug Strategy due to their potential vulnerability to alcohol and other drug (AOD)-related harms. National data consistently report low levels of AOD use and treatment utilisation among CALD populations. This discrepancy is likely due in part to limitations in data capture, such as the narrow definitions of CALD variables used, as well as issues of underreporting. Current reporting does not always align with Australian Bureau of Statistics standards and may also fail to capture the complexity and diversity of CALD communities. While improving data collection is essential, data alone will not address barriers to treatment engagement or ensure tailored, culturally responsive care. This editorial argues for two complementary actions: strengthening the collection of CALD data in national datasets and developing a tailored and adaptable AOD treatment framework, co-designed with CALD communities.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview
Drug Dependence
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
