Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Substance Use and Disparities: Review of Current Evidence and Recommendations for the Field

Abstract

Purpose of Review This study aimed to describe the current state of the science on Asian American (AA) and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NH/PI) substance use, covering extant research and treatment knowledge and gaps. Recent Findings Despite literature gaps, epidemiological studies revealed sizable population-level differences between AAs, who have among the lowest rates of US substance use, and NH/PIs, who have among the highest. Targeted studies identified key challenges affecting NH/PI communities and some AA subgroups, particularly for alcohol, cigarette, and e-cigarette use. Of major concern, both AAs and NH/PIs demonstrate significant treatment disparities. Summary There is a scarcity of substance use research and interventions specifically targeted for AAs and NH/PIs. Promisingly, a growing body of research is focused on developing/testing culturally targeted interventions for these populations, but more is needed. Recommendations for improving substance use data and intervention research with AAs and NH/PIs—including disaggregating both racial groups and their subgroups—are discussed.