Impairment of functioning and substance use in a Latino population. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mercado, Alfonso; Talavera Garza, Liza; Popan, Jason; Finn-Nguyen, Kim; Sharma, Rachita; Colunga-Rodriguez, Cecilia
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse. Volume 18:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 414
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Academic achievement -- alcohol dependency -- Latinos -- relationships -- substance use; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Minorities -- Substance use -- Periodicals; Ethnicity -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- United States -- Periodicals; Minorities -- Substance use -- United States -- Periodicals; Ethnicity -- United States -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- ethnology -- Periodicals; 362.29089
• DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2017.1404953
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-2640

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the association of academic outcomes, romantic relationships, and substance use (tobacco, marijuana, cocaine) with alcohol dependence in a sample of Latino (N = 1, 143) college students. Secondary data analysis was conducted on measures of grade point average in college, relationship satisfaction, drug use, and alcohol dependence. Latino college students who reported alcohol dependency had significant relational dissatisfaction and poor academic outcomes. Thus, lower grade point average and relationship dissatisfaction were associated with alcohol dependence. By focusing specifically on a Mexican American population, this study adds important information to current research regarding the commonality and differences across cultural groups regarding drug use and dependence and further clarifies the risk factors associated with substance use and dependency in a population that is vulnerable for at-risk behaviors. This study also offers insight into potential targets of treatment and intervention for this cultural group.