Patterns of alcohol and drug abuse in drug treatment clients from different ethnic backgrounds

In this paper we have sought to identify differences in alcohol consumption patterns and problems among young adult males from white, black, and Hispanic ethnic groups entering drug treatment programs. In overall consumption patterns we found results similar to those obtained in general population studies. However, about one-third of the clients in all ethnic groups could be classified as heavier drinkers (drinking at least once a week and 4 or more drinks per drinking occasion) in the period immediately prior to treatment. About one-fourth of the clients in each ethnic group consumed a daily average of 2.5 ounces of absolute alcohol. Compared with the other ethnic groups, blacks were the most likely to be abstainers and reported regular alcohol use and drunkenness at later ages. Regardless of the pattern of development, similar proportions of the clients in all ethnic groups reported heavier drinking levels by age 21-30. Consistent with the current hypotheses in the literature, whites reported much higher levels of alcohol-related problems and prior treatment. Despite having similar levels of drinking, black and Hispanic ethnic groups did not appear to recognize alcohol as a problem or to report alcohol-related problems to the extent that whites did. Examination of drug-use patterns showed great variation in the nature and extent of drug use among the three ethnic groups. Whites were distributed among the seven patterns of use. Heroin use with cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol was the predominant pattern for blacks and Hispanics. Although the patterns of drug use differed greatly, these patterns were not differentially related to alcohol consumption or alcohol-related problems within ethnic groups. On the contrary, the drug-use patterns appeared to be a stronger predictor than ethnicity of use and problems. Multiple-nonnarcotic-users reported the highest levels of alcohol consumption and the greatest numbers of alcohol-related problems. This group typically reported the highest number of alcohol-related problems. Expression of a current need for treatment and a history of prior alcohol treatment were highest for black multiple-nonnarcotic-users. Our examination of the influences of family and friends was based on a limited number of questions available in the data. Heavier drinking was reported by clients who lived with friends, had family or friends who drank regularly, or had extensive involvement in the drug-use network, including drug sales. No ethnic differences were found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)