Alcohol and Drug Use at the U.S.-Mexico Border – Does Cross-Border Mobility make a Difference?

Cheryl J Cherpitel

doi:10.21767/2471-853x.100013

Abstract

People of Mexican origin constitute the largest subgroup of Hispanics in the U.S., comprising over 65% of this group and 11% of the total U.S. population, a figure which is expected to double by 2050 [1]. Mexicans represent 29% of the U.S. immigrant population, with Mexico being the largest contemporary source of immigration. The U.S. side of the border has become home to many of these individuals, as well as a staging area for migration to the interior of the U.S. [2]. This pattern of immigration suggests an extremely high potential for alcohol and drug use patterns and problems in Mexico and at the U.S. border to spread and become generalized outside of the border region, making this region especially significant to public health in the U.S. as a whole.

Highlights

People of Mexican origin constitute the largest subgroup of Hispanics in the U.S, comprising over 65% of this group and 11% of the total U.S population, a figure which is expected to double by 2050 [1]
Prior research has suggested that Mexicanorigin men may be at higher risk for alcohol-related problems than others, and those living along the U.S border may be at even higher risk, especially among those younger [3], but little epidemiologic evidence has existed to support this
Since prior research had suggested that individuals crossing the border to Mexico may be especially vulnerable to substance use and related problems, the U.S.-Mexico Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions (UMSARC) study hypothesized that frequency of crossing the border, length of stay, and reasons for crossing would be positively predictive of heavy drinking, alcohol use disorders (AUD), and co-occurring heavy drinking and drug use

Summary

Introduction

People of Mexican origin constitute the largest subgroup of Hispanics in the U.S, comprising over 65% of this group and 11% of the total U.S population, a figure which is expected to double by 2050 [1]. The major metropolitan areas on both sides of the border (sister cities) are important points of commerce, population growth, and heightened trans-border movement. Border residents on both sides have typically been able to enter a designated zone with fewer legal restrictions than those which apply to secondary checkpoints further away from the border. This facilitated movement back and forth across the border, allowing individuals to shop, visit, and conduct business or work, as well as to obtain medical services and pharmaceuticals. The U.S.-Mexico border is unlike other border regions, for example the U.S.-Canadian border, in relation to the large volume of those crossing frequently, the vast majority of whom are residents of the border area (on both its sides) and coming primarily from the municipalities next to the crossing itself

Substance Use at the Border

Findings

Discussion