Priorities for alcohol treatment research among U.S. Hispanics

This article reviews the clinical research conducted with U.S. Hispanics and discusses priorities for alcohol treatment research in this ethnic group. Specific areas in which research is needed include epidemiological descriptions of client characteristics, access and utilization of alcohol treatment, the structure of alcohol programs, pathways to treatment, alcohol dependence and treatment effectiveness, and treatment matching in alcohol treatment. Methodological requirements, research funding strategies, and professional training needed for implementing the research needs identified in the article are also discussed. A concerted effort by funding institutions is needed to emphasize the importance of this research, and an increased commitment of funds for research and professional training is necessary. Such funds should be earmarked for research with minorities and training for minority professionals.