Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Amount of area liquor stores may affect drinking habits in at-risk groups
By Staff Writer
The presence of a liquor stores and other establishments that sell alcoholic beverages can have an impact on at-risk drinkers in certain demographics, including African American females, according to new research.
Past studies have shown a link between neighborhood alcohol environments and incidents such as drunk driving and violence. In many minority communities and low-income areas, liquor stores are the main alcohol establishment, according to the researchers.
In the study, 321 African American participants between the ages of 21 and 65 who were recruited from three community-based healthcare clinics in New Orleans were asked to answer questionnaires. This group included 229 women and 92 men.
Researchers found that participants who lived in neighborhoods with a greater concentration of liquor stores were more likely to be classified as individuals at risk of developing alcoholism, compared to those in areas with few places to buy alcohol.
African American women were also shown to be most affected by the presence of more liquor stores. Each gender responds differently to stress, and the researchers believe this may have played a role in the higher risk-rate among women.
Based on these findings, the researchers believe clinicians in alcohol and drug rehab facilities should consider the environmental factors that play a role in a patient's addiction, in addition to individual and interpersonal influences.
