Alcohol use and abuse among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel: a review

Abstract

This paper attempts to cover the current state of alcohol use among immigrants from Ethiopia in Israel and to suggest recommendation for future activities. In addition, as a background, it attempts to describe the Ethiopian immigration to Israel and its problems, as well as some background characteristics of alcohol use in Ethiopia. This paper is the first summary in English of findings in alcohol epidemiology and treatment in relation to immigrants from Ethiopia. A review of all studies published in the professional literature concerning alcohol use and treatment among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel was conducted as well as summary of the main literature concerning the problems of the Ethiopian community in Israel and alcohol use in Ethiopia. The review located only a few studies and reports in Hebrew in relation to alcohol use among immigratns from Ethiopia. However, it identifies alcohol use amoung young immigrants as more prevalent than among other Israelis, and shows that Ethiopian immigrants are overrepresented in treatment in comparison to their segment in the Israeli absorbing society. Recommendations include the need for research on alcohol use patterns among adults, as well as developing and implementing more alcohol prevention programs, including programs in Amharic, and training of Ethiopian professionals and recovered Ethiopian alcoholics to lead the prevention activities. KEY WORDS: alcohol, Ethiopia, immigrants, Israel