Hispanic Subgroups, Acculturation, and Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes

• Hispanic subgroups reported different substances used and addiction severity.
• Cuban Americans had lower treatment retention at follow-up than other subgroups.
• More involvement in the Hispanic culture was associated lower treatment retention.
• Hispanics who spoke English at home had fewer days abstinent.
• U.S. birthplace and more years in the U.S. predicted abstinence in some Hispanics.

This study explored Hispanic subgroup differences in substance use treatment outcomes, and the relationship of acculturation characteristics to these outcomes. Data were from a multisite randomized clinical trial of motivational enhancement therapy versus treatment as usual in a sample of Spanish-speaking substance abusers. Participants were Cuban American (n = 34), Mexican American (n = 209), Puerto Rican (n = 78), and other Hispanic American (n = 54). Results suggested that Cuban Americans and individuals with more connection to Hispanic culture had lower treatment retention. Hispanics born in the U.S and those who spoke English at home had a lower percentage of days abstinent during weeks 5–16, although Puerto Ricans born in the U.S. and Cuban Americans living more years in the U.S. had a higher percentage of days abstinent in weeks 1–4 and 5–16, respectively. Results may inform future hypothesis-driven studies in larger Hispanic treatment seeking samples of the relationship between acculturation and treatment outcome.