African Americans and Alcohol Abuse: Considerations for Rehabilitation Counselor

Abstract

Alcohol abuse among African Americans poses a unique professional challenge for rehabilitation counselors. The incidence of alcohol abuse among African Americans, as well as other Americans, is high, thereby increasing the likelihood that rehabilitation counselors will encounter African American alcohol abusers among their caseloads. The experience of blacks in America is unique. Therefore discussions of alcohol treatment and counseling approaches must consider the context of the “minority culture” including its history, strengths, values, attitudes in an effort to formulate culturally appropriate interventions. Culturally sensitive interventions are described, thereby providing rehabilitation counselors additional resources to serve this population.