(1/14/2013)

Black and Hispanic Patients Less Likely to Complete Substance Abuse Treatment Than White Patients, Study Finds
Science Daily
January 7, 2013

Roughly half of all black and Hispanic patients who enter publicly funded alcohol treatment programs do not complete treatment, compared to 62 percent of white patients, according to a new study.  The study, published in the latest issue of Health Affairs, shows that completion disparities among racial groups are likely related to differences in socioeconomic status and, in particular, greater unemployment and housing instability for black and Hispanic patients. The researchers suggest that funding for integrated services and increased Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could help to improve access to treatment programs for minorities.

View the full article here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130107161403.htm

Keywords: patients, substance, abuse, treatment, study