The Persistent High Rates of Heroin Use Among the Puerto Rican Population in the United States: A Qualitative Study

For a half- century, the Puerto Rican population in the United States has experienced very high rates of heroin usage with significant health ramifications. At substance misuse programs in the Bronx, New York, two focus groups consisting of a total of 13 Puerto Rican counselors, and four focus groups consisting of a total of 35 Puerto Rican clients, discussed the impact of heroin usage on Puerto Rican communities as part of a qualitative study using a phenomenological perspective. Societal marginalization and social dislocation were identified as major contributors to heroin usage in Puerto Rican communities. The findings indicate that full access to economic, vocational, and educational opportunities, along with a decrease in institutional racial discrimination, would appear to be the most effective way to decrease heroin usage among this population.