As the population of the United States becomes more diverse, healthcare facilities must grow and adapt to the needs of the different subgroups of Americans. One important area that policymakers must address according to the needs of the community is substance abuse treatment.
There are significant differences in substance abuse treatment needs between different minority groups in the U.S. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health provides data on the different groups, helping policymakers to understand the needs of each group. 47 million people in the United States identify themselves as Hispanic, which equates to 15.4 percent of the population.
Combined data from the NSDUH shows that Hispanics are largely Mexican, with 62.3 percent of all Hispanics identifying themselves as Mexican.. 14.1 percent are from Central or South America. 43.3 percent of Hispanics were born in the United States, and those born in the U.S. tend to be younger than those Hispanics born outside the U.S.
A third of Hispanics did not carry health insurance, compared to the national average of 15 percent for adults in the U.S. In addition, the poverty rate among Hispanics was 22.3 percent, compared with the national average of 11.5 percent.
The data from the NSDUH show that past-month alcohol use increased during the period between 2004 and 2008, growing from 43.7 percent to 47.6 percent. However, the rate of binge drinking and illicit drug use remained stable during the same period.
Use of specific substances varied between Hispanic subgroups. Spanish Americans had the highest level of past-month alcohol use at 60.8 percent, while Dominican Americans used alcohol at a level of 40.3 percent. Binge drinking was highest among those of Puerto Rican descent (28.7 percent) and lowest among those of Central or South American origin at 20.8 percent.
Drug use ranged from 13.1 percent among Spanish Americans to 3.9 percent among Dominican Americans. Those who were born in the U.S. also had higher rates of past month alcohol use, binge alcohol use and illicit drug use than those born outside the U.S.
Compared with national averages for uninsured adults, uninsured Hispanics were less likely to have used alcohol, participated in binge drinking, or to have used an illicit drug in the past month.
According to the NSDUH data, 2.9 percent, or 843,000 Hispanic adults were reported as being in need of treatment for illicit drug use problems during the last year, which is consistent with the national average. 18.3 percent of those in need of treatment actually received it at a specialized facility.
As the minority population grows in the future, it will be important to take into consideration the need for healthcare options that serve all subgroups of the population. Understanding the needs of the subgroups is a valuable part of the process to help each subgroup lead healthy lives.
