Alcohol Use, Dependence, and Treatment among U.S. Adults: The Role of Racial-ethnic Origin and Foreign-born Status

• In Event: 506 - Regular Session. Substance Use, Abuse, Treatment

Abstract

This study used the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions to examine how racial-ethnic origin and foreign-born status are related to alcohol use, dependence, and treatment-seeking among American women and men. We found significant associations between origin, foreign-born status, and years in US and drinking and risky alcohol use for both men and women. People of European origin were the most likely to drink, as were males of Mexican origin, while females of African, Asian/Pacific-Islander, and Puerto Rican origins were less likely to drink. For all groups, years in US were associated with a higher risk of drinking. Although foreign-born people were less likely than native-born to seek treatment, they were no less likely to seek treatment if they were abusing or were dependent on alcohol. The findings have important implications for alcohol rehabilitation and mental health services for US racial-ethnic minorities and immigrants.

Authors

• Magdalena Szaflarski, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Daniel H. Klepinger, Battelle Health & Analytics (retired)

• Lisa A. Cubbins, Battelle Seattle Research Center