Addressing treatment needs of Southeast Asian Mien opium users in California.

This report describes efforts in progress to meet the needs of opium smoking Mien immigrants in Oakland, California. Translating concepts of addiction and recovery into terms that are culturally relevant constitutes the basis for efforts to assist the Mien to adjust to an opium-free lifestyle. The acceptability and utility of clonidine, acupuncture, methadone, counseling, support groups, and other medical services are discussed.