Comparison of substance abuse treatment utilization and preferences among Native Hawaiians, Asian Americans and Euro Americans

Abstract

Use and preferences for substance abuse treatment can vary by ethnicity. However, little is known about use and preferences among Native Hawaiians and Asian Americans. Interviews from 192 admitted multi-ethnic residents from two treatment facilities in Hawaii were conducted. More similarities than differences were found. The most utilized treatments were Alcoholics Anonymous and the emergency department, with no significant ethnic differences. However, Native Hawaiians and Asian Americans were significantly less likely to have spoken to a mental health provider about alcohol problems (32%, 39%, respectively vs. 69% of Euro Americans) and to have seen a physician for a drinking-related problem (21% of Native Hawaiians and 19% of Asian Americans vs. 41% of Euro Americans). Native Hawaiians were significantly more likely to consider marriage counselling to be an effective form of treatment (33% vs. 11% of Asian Americans and 9% of Euro Americans). Implications for substance abuse treatment are discussed. The findings suggest that it is important to integrate the field of substance abuse in multiple systems; including substance abuse, medical, criminal, social service and community settings to ensure treatment preferences are met. Ethnic differences may also have implications for expanding and tailoring services.

• Substance-abuse
• treatment
• complementary therapies

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Ms. Suzanne Baker, Dr. Luther Johansen and Ms. Annie Rohr for their assistance with reviewing the literature. They are immensely grateful for the mentoring received from Dr. Raul Caetano in conducting alcohol research among minorities.

Declaration of interest

This research was supported by contracts from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD). The contents of this article are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIAAA or NCMHD.