Substance Abuse/Addiction in the Latino-Hispanic Community

According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 24.6 million Americans age 12 and older were illicit drugs users. The survey also reported an estimated 60.1 million individuals aged 12 or older were past month binge drinkers, including 1.6 million adolescents. Further, less than 10 percent of the 22.7 million individuals who need treatment for either alcohol or illicit drug usage received treatment at a specialty facility. These statistics, coupled over the growing population of Latino/Hispanic Americans, the Ethnicity and Health in America Series is raising awareness about substance abuse/addiction among Latino populations.

We are featuring the work of Ellen Vaughan, PhD, an assistant professor in the department of counseling and educational psychology at Indiana University-Bloomington. Her program of research aims to inform the substance abuse prevention literature by testing risk and protective factors for substance use among Latino adolescents and emerging adults. In terms of clinical practice, she is interested in Latino mental health and treatment of substance use disorders. Her clinical experiences have included providing services for Spanish speaking clients struggling with a broad range of mental health problems. Vaughan has a substantive knowledge and experience in the field of substance use and abuse among people of color, particularly among Latino populations.

Mental Health, Physical Health Problems and Drinking among Latino Older Adultsopens in new window

2014
Ellen L. Vaughan, PhD
Melanie J. Robbins, MS
Oscar S. Escobar, MA

Preface, by Ellen L. Vaughan, PhD: There has been tremendous growth in the older adult population in the United States, including Latino older adults. Excessive alcohol use has been connected to an array of mental and physical health problems. Among older adults, alcohol use can be particularly concerning given the increased likelihood of physical health problems and potential interactions with medications. Further, despite lower rates of alcohol use, Latinos may experience more consequences from their alcohol use. There is very little research investigating the relationships between mental and physical health in samples of Latino older adults. There are many reasons for this including that older adults consume alcohol at much lower rates than young adults. Still, the clinical and research literature has begun to emphasize the need to address drinking among older adults and assess their need for treatment. Thus, the focus of this research study was to investigate the roles of mental and physical health in the drinking behaviors of older Latino adults. We discuss the implications of our study for future research with this population as well as suggestions for assessment and reducing barriers to addressing the mental health needs of Latino older adults.

Through its Ethnicity and Health in America Series, Ethnicity, Race, and Cultural Affairs Portfolio (ERCA) in partnership with the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, local community centers and faculty members from nearby institutions will be raising awareness about the impact of substance abuse/addiction among Latino Americans. The activity will be held at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 901 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005. Please check the ERCA webpage in the future for more information.