Variation in Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Units with High Concentrations of Latino Versus White Clients: Client Factors, Treatment Experiences, and Treatment Outcomes

Abstract

Research on Latinos receiving substance abuse care lacks detail in terms of client characteristics, treatment services, and the effectiveness of treatment. This study uses data from a large, recent, nationally representative sample of outpatient substance abuse treatment units to examine differences in client characteristics, treatment services, and outcomes. The study examines differences between units with 20% or more Latino clients and treatment units with 90% or more White clients. Results show that units with high concentrations of Latinos treat clients who are significantly poorer, more prone to abuse drugs than alcohol, more prone to turn to crime to support their habit, more likely to be ordered to treatment by the courts, and at a higher risk for HIV/AIDS; these clients have poorer treatment outcomes. Treatment and policy implications for units treating high concentrations of Latino clients and culturally sensitive substance abuse treatment are discussed.