Hispanics & Treatment Need

A recent report from SAMHSA’s Office of Applied Studies, Substance Use Treatment Need and Receipt among Hispanics examines the need for and receipt of alcohol and illicit drug use treatment among Hispanics age 12 or older.

Combined 2002 to 2007 data indicate that an annual average of 8.3 percent (2.6 million) of Hispanics age 12 or older needed alcohol use treatment in the past year, and 3.4 percent (1.1 million) needed illicit drug use treatment.

Among Hispanics, the prevalence of need for alcohol use treatment was highest among Mexicans (9.2 percent), and the prevalence of need for illicit drug use treatment was highest among Puerto Ricans (6.1 percent).

Treatment Receipt

Among Hispanics in need of alcohol use treatment in the past year, 7.7 percent received that treatment in a specialty facility, and 15.1 percent of those in need of illicit drug use treatment received that treatment in a specialty facility.

The need for alcohol use treatment and illicit drug use treatment, as well as the receipt of illicit drug use treatment among those needing it, were more likely among Hispanics born in the United States than among those not born in the United States.

Past-Year Treatment Need among Hispanics Age 12 or Older, by Nativity: 2002 to 2007

All findings in the report are annual averages based on combined 2002 to 2007 data.

Substance Use Treatment Need and Receipt among Hispanics is available from SAMHSA’s Office of Applied Studies.