Hispanic-Latino Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

March 14, 2019

Hispanic-Latino People And Alcohol Abuse

Studies have shown that people of Hispanic-Latino do suffer quite a bit from alcohol dependence, with 9.5 percent of the overall population needing care for their addiction. In countries like Puerto Rico and Mexico, nearly 50 percent of the male population binge drink, with more than 50 percent of women binge drinking in Puerto Rico and 26 percent of women binge drinking in Mexico.

Numbers are changing and showing rises in alcohol addiction in Hispanic-Latino cultures. Even the traditionally dry women of Hispanic-Latino descent are beginning to drink more often. In fact, it’s getting to the point that the women are beginning to drink just as much, if not more, than the men. It has also primarily become an age-based problem for those who have come to America: first-generation Hispanic-Latino Americans are less likely to drink, but second and third generation is becoming drinkers.

Hispanic-Latino Teens Are Especially At Risk

As previously mentioned, younger Hispanic-Latino people are at a higher risk of falling victim to alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, this also applies to drug addiction: the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study found that drug use has been steadily increasing in Hispanic-Latino teens, especially the use of marijuana: drug use since 2008 has shot up 20-25 percent almost every year.

In fact, drug use among this group is 36 percent higher than African-American and Caucasian-American teens.

Although marijuana is popular among teens, other drugs that Hispanic-Latino teens use include:

• Cocaine
• Crack
• Ecstasy
• Pain medication

While opioids and heroin use among Hispanic-Latino teens isn’t especially high, studies have shown that this group is also less afraid of using drugs and the consequences of using drugs. As a result, they are more likely to give in to peer pressure than teens from other cultural groups. Why are they less afraid of drugs and alcohol? It’s hard to say. But the result has been a devastating upswing in the number of Hispanic-Latino people addicted to drugs.

How Hispanic-Latino Rehab Differs

While the basic structure of a Hispanic-Latino rehab center won’t vary in any drastic way from other rehabs, there are allowances made for cultural nuances. For example, the Catholic faith is heavily practiced in many Hispanic-Latino cultures. A rehab centered to their needs is likely to include some form of faith-based treatment, such as church services or a 12-Step guideline with connection to God or a higher power.

However, it is important to remember that Hispanic-Latino cultures aren’t uniform: there are multiple differences in beliefs and morals between these groups, including:

• Mexican people
• Cuban people
• Puerto Rican people
• Central American people
• South American people

Some entering treatment may want a specific type of diet or food or even require Spanish translation, all of which can be accommodated at a specific rehab for Hispanic-Latino individuals.

Get The Care That You Deserve

The specialized care available at Hispanic-Latino rehab centers makes them a great choice if you or someone you love is suffering from drug addiction. Your specific beliefs and desires will be honored, while you receive expert care. To learn more about these centers and how they can help you beat addiction, please contact us at RehabCenter.net.