Alcohol-related effects of POST-9/11 discrimination in the context of the great recession: Race/ethnic variation

Objectives: This study examined whether race/ethnic variation in discrimination is differentially associated with economic adversity during the period of the Great Recession for Blacks and Latinos compared to non-Hispanic Whites, thereby contributing to higher rates of alcohol use and problematic drinking among these groups. Methods: Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data from a national mail survey. Results: The association of 9/11-related discrimination with problem-related drinking substantially derives from the association between 9/11-related discrimination and recession-era economic adversity. The association between 9/11-related discrimination and economic adversity is also significantly greater for Blacks and Latinos compared to non-Hispanic Whites, and is more strongly linked with problem-related drinking for both groups in contrast to non-Hispanic Whites. Conclusions: Overall, the results demonstrate the sustained association of 9/11-related discrimination with alcohol use for Blacks and Latinos compared to non-Hispanic Whites, as well as the differential impact of the Great Recession for these race/ethnic groups. The findings highlight the need to acknowledge macro-level stressors that disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups, such as those occasioned by discriminatory legislation and social policies.