Ethnic patterns in drug abuse treatment utilization

Abstract

This study describes utilization of drug abuse treatment and related perceptions among African American, Hispanic, and Anglo drug-using arrestees in Los Angeles. The study extends prior research by, first, describing ethnic variation in treatment utilization through analyses that control for nonethnic demographic factors and by, second, exploring the degree to which ethnicity is related to two predisposing factors (attitude toward treatment and perceived need) and two enabling factors (perceived cost and availability). After nonethnic demographic factors and past drug dependence are controlled, African American and Hispanic drug users in Los Angeles are less likely to report having been in drug abuse treatment. Hispanic drug users are more likely than Anglos to say that they have not sought treatment because they do not need it. African American drug users are more likely than Anglos to hold unfavorable views of treatment.