Under-Researched Demographics: Heavy Episodic Drinking and Alcohol-Related Problems Among Asian Americans

• Published in: Alcohol research 2016, Vol.38 (1), p.17-25
• Main Authors: Iwamoto, Derek Kenji, Kaya, Aylin, Grivel, Margaux, Clinton, Lauren
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acculturation; Alcohol Dehydrogenase - genetics; Alcohol Drinking in College - ethnology; Alcohol Drinking in College - psychology; Alcohol-Related Disorders - ethnology; Alcohol-Related Disorders - genetics; Alcohol-Related Disorders - psychology; Alcoholism - ethnology; Alcoholism - genetics; Alcoholism - psychology; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase - genetics; Asian Americans - genetics; Asian Americans - psychology; Asian Americans - statistics & numerical data; Binge Drinking - ethnology; Binge Drinking - genetics; Binge Drinking - psychology; Depression - ethnology; Depression - psychology; Female; Humans; Male; Racism - psychology; Risk-Taking; Sex Factors; Social Norms - ethnology; Stress, Psychological - ethnology; Stress, Psychological - psychology
• ISSN: 2168-3492; 2169-4796

Asian Americans represent the fastest- growing population in the United States (Le 2010). At the same time, there is evidence that problematic drinking rates are increasing among young-adult Asian Americans (Grant et al. 2004). Accordingly, it is essential to understand the etiological determinants and mechanisms of risk that may help explain this growth in problematic alcohol use among this group. The high prevalence of the ALDH2*2 and ADH1B*2 alleles in a large percentage of Asian subgroups has been studied as a potential protective factors against alcohol abuse, yet some individuals who possess these genes still engage in problematic alcohol use (Wall et al. 2001). Other social and psychological factors may account for this discrepancy. Thus, some factors, such as negative physiological alcohol expectancies, are protective against alcohol abuse in this population (Hendershot et al. 2009). Sociocultural factors such as acculturation and nativity also may help explain drinking patterns among this group. The literature suggests that vast and significant within-group differences exist among Asian Americans, such that individuals who were born in the United States and/or are more acculturated are at elevated risk for alcohol abuse and related problems (Hahm et al. 2003). Differences also have been observed among Asian-American ethnic subgroups, with some groups (e.g., Japanese, Korean, and multi-Asian Americans) reporting higher rates of drinking compared with others (e.g., Chinese and Vietnamese Americans) (Iwamoto et al. 2012). Furthermore, Asian Americans who report higher levels of depressive symptoms, psychological distress, and perceived discrimination seem to be at a heightened risk for abusing alcohol (Iwamoto et al. 2011a; Nishimura et al. 2005; Yoo et al. 2010). Finally, an emerging body of research examining gender-relevant factors, including feminine and masculine norms, may help explain within-group differences among Asian-American women and men. Thus, traditional norms that may directly pertain to hyperfemininzed Asian-American women, including modesty and sexual fidelity, may protect against heavy episodic drinking (Young et al. 2005). Conversely, the risk for heavy episodic drinking may be enhanced in men who strive to demonstrate traditional notions of masculinity through risk-taking and endorsement of playboy norms (Iwamoto et al. 2010). Although this review has illustrated the contemporary state of research on alcohol use among Asian Ameri