Chunk #47 — Explanations for Greater Negative Social Consequences of Alcohol Use among African Americans Compared to European Americans — Environmental Influences — Residential factors/drinking context
Thus, although African Americans are less likely to drink, for those African Americans who do consume alcohol, greater access to alcohol beverages may place them at higher risk for engaging in heavy or risky drinking behaviors. Reasons for heightened risk have been documented by several researchers. Theall and colleagues (2011) suggested that neighborhood alcohol venue density is problematic because it exposes neighborhood residents to cues related to alcohol consumption more frequently and provides residents with high levels of alcohol availability (Theall et al., 2011). Similarly, LaVeist and Wallace (2000) noted that the disproportionate concentration of liquor stores was significant because these venues typically sold larger quantities of alcohol than bars or restaurants, and the alcohol is ready for immediate consumption on street corners, nearby parks, or in motor vehicles. These concerns appear to be accurate, with evidence indicating that for African Americans who do consume alcohol, the higher concentration of liquor stores in African American neighborhoods is significantly associated with at-risk alcohol consumption (James & Johnson, 1996; Theall et al., 2011).
