Substance Use among Asian Americans

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

Few studies focus on substance use among the 60 distinct ethnic groups that comprise the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population, and epidemiological surveys on substance use either omit or aggregate AAPIs. As a result, the extent and breadth of AAPI substance use is minimized and AAPI substance use is often ignored. However, recent studies indicate an increase in AAPI drug use, particularly ecstasy/molly consumption at electronic dance music (EDM) events, and nearly half of all drug-related fatalities at EDM events were AAPIs. To illuminate the hidden patterns of AAPI drug use and identify risk factors of substance-related harms, this project describes rich data from intensive interviews. Using a qualitative approach with a snowball sampling technique, this study explains the onset, persistence, and desistance of AAPI drug use and explores the settings and factors that shape pleasurable and harmful use. The findings outline service needs for AAPIs, particularly those at risk of drug-related harms at EDM festivals, which can inform health and drug prevention agencies and best address AAPI substance use.

Keywords: Asian American, drug use, ecstasy, dance, harm

Authors

• Trinh Nguyen, California State University, Long Beach

• Dina Perrone, California State University, Long Beach