Substance abuse among minority populations

Substance abuse problems and their solutions not only vary considerably depending on the ethnicity of the patient, but also are influenced by factors such as age, gender, education, and socioeconomic status. Familiarity with the epidemiology of substance abuse problems of different sociocultural groups can help the clinician better understand and anticipate the needs of the patient population she or he is serving. The five-part sociocultural assessment model provides a framework to help the practitioner assess the sociocultural needs of an individual patient. Application of this model can help reveal the individual patient's beliefs, motivations, and sociocultural strengths and liabilities with regard to substance abuse. With this information, the clinician can then better address special treatment needs.