Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are among the fastest growing U.S. populations. Suggestive evidence of increases in substance abuse among some AAPI subgroups is emerging. Underutilization of mental health services by the AAPI groups has been documented. Evidence exists that combining heterogeneous subgroups of the AAPI into the single Asian category produced an ostensible result that Asian American mental health services consumers experience less difficulty in functioning in the community than do their white consumer counterparts. Such a result may have facilitated the impression of a lower level of utilization needs among the AAPI. No national-level data currently exist that document differences in patterns of substance abuse treatment utilization among the AAPI subgroups. Based on local data such as those collected by the California Drug Abuse Data system and the California Statewide Alcohol Needs Assessment, this paper summarizes currently available information on the AAPI utilization on substance abuse services. Under-reporting and underutilization are dominant characteristics noted about AAPI utilization patterns; however, the extent of these factors in comparison to the majority race, or among AAPI subgroups, is unknown. Given the paucity of systematic evaluation studies, theory-based culturally sensitive intervention and prevention programs have rarely been tested for their effectiveness. To meet future service demands effectively, better understanding is critical for the following topics: the diverse patterns of problem recognition and symptom expressions; factors influencing underutilization and under-reporting; pathways to treatment, including nontraditional means of treatment, and how specific pathways are chosen; and effective treatment and prevention programs for AAPIs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify areas of substance abuse services provision where research data on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are severely lacking. 2. Define the two dominant characteristics of AAPI utilization indicated by available data. 3. Assess the research recommendations of the NIDA AAPI Workgroup as they apply to understanding the patterns of substance abuse services care among the AAPI and improving the care
Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Mental Health Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.