We next present our theoretical explanation for why (a) African American men are at higher risk for problem drinking than African American women; (b) African American men of very low incomes are at the greatest risk within their ethnic group for heavy drinking and the problems that result; (c) drinking levels remain more stable later into adulthood for African American men than for other groups; and (d) low-income African American men are at the highest risk of experiencing negative health complications from drinking. The theory involves an integration of historical considerations with a novel application of a well-established, well supported theory developed from behavioral psychology.
