Disparities in Alcohol Treatment Utilization by Race and Type of Insurance

Abstract

Even though women are more likely to develop alcohol problems when drinking equivalent amounts as men, transition from regular drinking to intoxication within a shorter period of time, and develop serious problems faster, men are more likely to utilize alcohol treatment. Furthermore, little is known about factors contributing to treatment utilization by women. Data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, Wave 1, were examined to determine what predicted alcohol treatment utilization among women. Contrary to our hypothesis, having no insurance benefits predicted greater odds of utilizing alcohol treatment compared to having private insurance. Furthermore, the only diagnosis of alcohol-use problems that predicted treatment utilization was concurrent alcohol abuse and dependence. Criteria for alcohol abuse only or dependence only did not predict whether women sought alcohol treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol
• treatment utilization
• women

Notes

*p value < 0.05,

**p value < 0.01.