Alcoholism in the United States

Alcoholism in the United States: Racial and Ethnic Considerations incorporates data about alcohol abuse in four United States minority populations: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans (American Indians and Alaska Natives). The contributions, all well-established cultural psychiatrists, present information in an integrative, clear fashion that both experts and interested lay persons will find engaging.

This report discusses similarities and differences between each group, identifies the need for further research to help clarify variations between groups, and outlines the policy implications for treatment and prevention of alcoholism.

Each chapter includes a brief description of one population, followed by a review of the available literature on prevalence of alcoholism; frequent heavy drinking; peak risks for alcoholism by age group; abstinence; alcohol-related morbidity and mortality; income; and urban migration, immigration, and acculturation in relation to alcoholics.