Problem Drinking’s Associations with Social Structure and Mental Health Care: Race/Ethnicity Differences

Abstract

This research used a nationally representative sample of 12,756 respondents self-identified as White, Black, Hispanic, or Asian to examine problem drinking in relationship to social structure and mental healthcare factors. Associations between problem drinking and particular factors varied by racial/ethnic group. Results also indicated that Whites’ problem-drinking rates were higher than those of Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians. Americans sometimes use alcohol to manage stress stemming from social disadvantage and inadequate material resources. Across racial/ethnic groups, drinking level was associated with the type and degree of such disadvantage. Additionally, the presence of a mental health problem was associated with problem drinking.

Keywords:

• frequency of problem drinking
• quantity of alcohol consumed
• racial/ethnic differences
• self-medication hypothesis
• social stress theory