One set of circumstances facing the Latino community is the ability to adapt to the beliefs, behaviors, opinions, and values of a new culture. Speaking English, receiving an education in a new school, raising their children, and working and living in a new Country or State contributes to the acceptance of the new culture. There is evidence to support the findings that as some people get familiarized into a different lifestyle, they have a tendency to drink more than usual.
Hence, the relationship between alcohol and the Latino community becomes clear. Data shows that although Latinos are less likely to drink at all compared to their non-Latino counterparts when they do drink, they consume a higher volume of alcohol than do their new Caucasian friends.
Approximately 9.5% of Latinos will struggle with alcohol dependency during the course of their lives, whereas 13.8 % of non-Latino Caucasians struggle with the same dependency. Furthermore, 33% of Latinos with an alcohol dependency tend to have perpetual and reoccurring problems with alcohol consumption.
Submitted by Annmarie Dallao | ARCpoint Labs of Reading
Source: American Addiction Centers, Brentwood, TN | Hispanic Heritage Month and Substance Abuse, Authored by Nitara Osbourne, M.Ed.
