Alcohol and other drug use among Hispanics in New York State.

Surveys have generally shown that Hispanics in the United States have lower than the national average rates of drinking, along with average rates of heavy drinking and drug use. Acculturation has been shown to be related to drinking and drug use. This study reports results from a large general population telephone survey conducted in New York State. Hispanic New York State residents were lower than the national average in drinking and heavy drinking when demographic variables were held constant. Gender differences in substance use were greater for Hispanics than for non-Hispanics, with males higher than females. Among Hispanic groups, Puerto Ricans were high and Dominicans were low in drug use. Among Hispanics, more frequent use of English was associated with higher drinking and drug use rates. Traditional Hispanic attitudes and closeness to country or origin were not related to substance use.