Substance Abuse Among U.S. Latinos: A Review of the Literature.

The article presents an analysis of literature on substance abuse among U.S. Latinos. High fertility and high immigration rates have made Latinos the largest minority in the U.S. Therefore, alcohol and illicit drug use within this population give reason for concern. Beginning in early adolescence, Latinos and native Americans lead the nation in alcohol and illicit drug use. They also have a high need for alcohol and illicit drug treatment compared to Whites and African-Americans. Even though family and peers have been shown to play an important role in the etiology of substance abuse across ethnic groups, research indicates that important differences exist within ethnic groups on these and other factors. In the article, research concerning ethnic differences has been reviewed in order to gain an understanding of the patterns and trajectories of substance use within the Latino community. Prevention and treatment interventions specific to Latinos have been described, and gaps in the literature are noted. Finally, implications of the current research findings for social workers and recommendations for future research have been discussed.