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Blacks' Alcohol Use, Binge Drinking Levels Are Below National Average

The current alcohol use rate for blacks aged 18 and older is significantly lower than the national adult average (44.3% vs. 55.2%) according to a new study based on a national survey. The study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also reveals that black adults have a lower rate of current binge drinking than the national adult average (21.7% vs. 24.5%). Young black adults (aged 18 to 25) are markedly less likely to be currently engaged in binge drinking than young adults in the general population (25.3% vs. 41.6%).

One notable exception to the generally lower levels of alcohol use among black adults is the rate of current binge drinking among pregnant black women aged 18 to 44 which is higher than the national average for pregnant women in the age group (8.1% vs. 3.6%).

At the same time the study reveals that black adults have a higher rate of current illicit drug use than the national average (9.5% vs. 7.9%). The difference in rates of current illicit drug use between black adults and the national average tends to be more pronounced among male adults aged 26 and older. For example, 14.7% of black adults aged 26 to 49 currently use illicit drugs as opposed to 11.2% of the general adult population in that age group.

“This study provides important insight into the differences affecting various populations across our country,” says SAMHSA Administrator, Pamela S. Hyde, JD. “As a nation we must strive to reach out to every part of our population and provide services that are best tailored to effectively promote the benefits of prevention, treatment and good health.”

— Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration