Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders 3rd ed - R. Frances, S. Miller, A. Mack (Guilford, 2005) WW

Substance Abusein Minority PopulationsCHAPTER 14JOHN FRANKLINMARYLINN MARKARIANThis chapter highlights issues in the treatment of addictive disorders in AfricanAmericans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans.Cultural competency of caregivers in treatment programs is vital but is oftenlacking (Westermeyer, 1995). Substantial knowledge gaps still exist in minoritysubstance abuse, and continued research in this area is needed. The growingethnic diversity of the United States makes the significance of these issues evengreater. According to the 2000 census, African Americans make up 12.2% ofthe population, Hispanics 11.8%, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders 3.9%,Native Americans 0.7%, and whites 71.4% (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2002).The fastest growing ethnic groups are Hispanics and Asian Americans. It is estimatedby the year 2060, the U.S. non-Hispanic white population will be aminority. This chapter reviews selected data on addictive disorders in minoritypopulations.Divisions along ethnic lines can be complicated by variations in country oforigin, religious and spiritual orientation, and political and economic conditions.These differences may influence the clinical presentation and therapeuticneeds of the patient. Other variables include socioeconomic status, educationallevel, occupational stability, dwelling situation, marital status, family of origin,and age.Thus, a middle-class African American woman with a college degree andstable employment, dwelling in a reasonably safe neighborhood, may share adaily world outlook toward the future more similar to that of a European Amer-321