This study compares rates of recent substance abuse (SA), depression, and SA service utilization among American Indians/Alaska natives with African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. Data for this study come from 8,188 adults who participated in the 1997 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA). The NHSDA employs a multistage area probability sampling design that provides annual national estimates on the use alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs among civilian noninstitutionalized residents of United States aged 12 or older. SUDAAN was used to conduct statistical analyses and account for design effects. The highest rates of current heavy cigarette smoking (20.6%), marijuana use (11.2%), and depression (15.8%) were noted among American Indians/Alaska natives. Asians had the lowest rate of substance abuse and depression. 16.2% of American Indians/Alaska natives reporting treatment utilization for alcohol and/or illicit drug use in the past year relative to less than 2.0% of three other racial/ethnic groups. Similar treatment utilization patterns with race/ethnicity were noted among recent substance abusers. Approximately 50% of SA treatment users were treated for both alcohol and illicit drug use while about 9% of users were treated for illicit drug use alone. The data suggest substantial burdens of SA and depression among American Indians/Alaska natives. Future studies need to identify factors associated with racial/ethnic variations in SA, and its stages of progression, in this vulnerable population. These national estimates suggest the need to decrease barriers to professional help seeking and increase access to SA services among ethnic minorities who abuse substances.
Learning Objectives: To estimate the scope and magnitude of substance abuse among nonwhite minorities in the U.S., and to better understand treatment needs associated with substance abuse
Keywords: American Indians, Substance Abuse
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.