Study: Gender Differences in Substance Abuse Among Mexican-Americans
New research shows that patterns of addictive behaviors differ between Mexican-American men and women.
Research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that the reasons Mexican-American men and women are admitted to substance abuse treatment vary by gender. The research discovered the following about Mexican-American women admitted to substance abuse treatment:
• Methamphetamine was their primary substance of abuse
• Women were more likely to have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders
• Women were more likely to have been referred to treatment by community organizations
SAMHSA’s research on Mexican-American males determined the following statistics:
• Alcohol was their primary substance of abuse
• Males accounted for about 73 percent of all Mexican-American admissions to substance abuse treatment
• Males were more likely to have been referred to treatment by the criminal justice system
One of the few similarities between Mexican-American men and women admitted for substance abuse was that both genders used their primary substance of abuse before turning 18.
“This study and others like it help us understand the characteristics and substance use behaviors among various populations entering treatment and can be used to develop more culturally sensitive and gender-specific prevention and treatment programs,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde.
Importance of Substance Abuse Treatment
No matter what gender or culture, people who are dealing with a substance abuse problem should seek substance abuse treatment. A substance abuse treatment center can help both men and women address their dangerous addiction to drugs or alcohol in a safe and nurturing environment. 
“Although patterns of substance abuse may vary somewhat among different groups and cultures within our nation, all segments of American society need help with this enormous public health problem,” Hyde said.
Many substance abuse treatment centers also take into account the specific cultural needs of their clients and will work with them to provide a recovery program that is culturally appropriate. Some treatment centers even offer special programs for certain segments of the population.
