Unkindness Linked to Alcohol ” A Study

January 11,2013

A research study done at Purdue University concluded that blacks who feel mistreated and discriminated against are more likely to abuse alcohol and illegal drugs...

A research study done at Purdue University concluded that blacks who feel mistreated and discriminated against are more likely to abuse alcohol and illegal drugs. The information gathered from the research shows that this usage (alcohol and drug abuse) can become a problematic pattern.

It has been commonly known that people who suffer from discrimination, unfair treatment, or face problems in general due to mistreatment from strangers are likely to turn to self-abusive behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse. However, the study performed at the university yields information that supports a substantial connection between this discrimination and illicit drug use. Haslyn E.R. Hunte, an assistant professor of health and discrimination at the university, believes that the results found further supports that clinicians should be more attuned to how discrimination plays a role in their clients' health, similar to how the loss of a loved one or losing a job may affect it.

In the study conducted at Purdue University, discrimination was defined as an individual experience of unfair treatment. This includes being treated with less respect or courtesy than others. Such discrimination can be directed at people who are obese, who smoke, or of a certain age, gender or race.

The study was conducted to measure how small everyday problems such as this, can lead to larger problems such as drug abuse and dependency. 90% of people in the study reported everyday discrimination and 62% reported major discrimination. Major discrimination would include feeling discriminated against during major life events such as in hiring or loan application processes. Those who reported the highest levels of discrimination were more likely to report an alcohol or drug-use disorder, consequently. Other studies have reported similar findings on the link between discrimination and substance abuse, but this study in particular focuses on problematic usage patterns.

The findings were co-authored by Adam Barry, an assistant professor of health education at the University of Florida at Gainesville and are available online and published in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

The apparent correlation between discrimination and drug abuse has led to one clear conclusion. Although there are clear stipulations regarding equality and non-discrimination in work place and financial institutions, it's obvious that unfortunately, there still remains unfair treatment to certain groups of people. Furthermore, this study yields that not only do work places and other establishments need to take greater care when dealing with people, regardless of ethnicity and other personal identification factors, the greater public should also take care to treat their fellow man with respect and care as well.

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