Substance Abuse in Minority Populations

Vega, William A.; Gil, Andrés G.

doi:10.1007/978-0-387-75659-2_15

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Black or African American adolescents have lower rates of substance use than white adolescents. Family attitudes and behaviors that discourage drug use may contribute to low rates of drug use among black youths (Vega and Gil, 2009 ). According to 2010 NSDUH report, as compared with the national average for adolescents aged 12–17, black adolescents had lower rates of cigarette use (5.8 vs. 10.2%), alcohol use (10.5 vs. 16.0%), marijuana use (6.5 vs. 6.9%), and non-medical use of prescription type drugs (2.9 vs. 3.3%).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overview of Substance Use Disorders and Incarceration of African American Males

Mukku¹,

Benson²,

Alam³

et al. 2012

Front. Psychiatry

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Incarceration affects the lives of many African American men and often leads to poverty, ill health, violence, and a decreased quality of life. There has been an unprecedented increase in incarceration among African American males since 1970. In 2009, the incarceration rate among black males was 6.7 times that of white males and 2.6 times of Hispanic males. Substance abuse in African American males leads to higher mortality rates, high rates of alcohol-related problems, more likely to be victims of crimes, and HIV/AIDS. African Americans comprised only 14% of the U.S. population but comprised 38% of the jail population. The cost of incarcerating persons involved in substance related crimes has increased considerably over the past two decades in the U.S. A reduction in the incarceration rate for non-violent offences would save an estimated $17 billion per year. Substance use disorder makes the individual more prone to polysubstance use and leads to impulse control problems, selling drugs, and other crimes. The high rate of incarceration in U.S. may adversely affect health care, the economy of the country, and will become a burden on society. Implementation of good mental health care, treatment of addiction during and after incarceration will help to decrease the chances of reoffending. Therapeutic community programs with prison-based and specialized treatment facilities, cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for 91–180 days, and 12-step orientation with staff specialized in substance abuse can be helpful. It is essential for health care professionals to increase public awareness of substance abuse and find ways to decrease the high rates of incarceration.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%