Alcoholism in Mexican-Americans: intervention and treatment

Abstract

Studies have shown that Hispanic males have higher rates of heavier drinking and problems associated with drinking than the general population. The authors discuss Mexican-American cultural and religious views on alcohol consumption and sex-role differences that influence drinking behavior and intervention. Then, drawing on their experience with a chemical dependence program that serves a catchment area that is one-fifth Mexican-American, they discuss how clinicians can work with cultural beliefs and practices to effectively treat Mexican-American alcoholics within a traditional treatment program.