The privatization of treatment services for alcohol abusers: effect on the black community

This article discusses the "new wave" of privatization of treatment services for alcohol abusers. Despite the prevalence of alcohol abuse among ethnic minorities, the problem is still only marginally accepted as a focus for public health services. Instead of a consolidated effort or an integrated network, there are territorial fights among providers, a mistargeting of audiences, and a lack of any effort directed toward preventive health care. Recent research indicates that 68.5% of private sector employees are now covered by alcohol abuse treatment benefits as compared with only 36.2% in 1982. The growing number of employee assistance programs also has addressed the financial problems associated with long-term treatment in the work environment. Unfortunately these efforts are only directed at those in the society who are employed. As minority employment is much lower than that of the majority, minorities have not received the benefits of employer-financed treatment. This article assesses the growing privatization of treatment services and the failure of public alcohol prevention and rehabilitation programs to provide needed treatment for American minorities.