Chapter 6: Incarcerated Latinas and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse

SUMMARY

An increase in incarceration rates and incidence of drug-related incarcerations for women has shown particularly high rates for ethnic women. Profiles of incarcerated women in general show a number of factors that create psychosocial obstacles. Recent statistics indicate that Latino women are twice as likely to be in prison in comparison to white female prisoners. The literature on Latinas and alcoholism and other drug abuse is reviewed, clinical observations of incarcerated Latinas are discussed and recommendations are presented for service delivery needs.

Key Words:

• Incarcerated Latinas
• alcoholism and other drug abuse
• diversity