past-year and lifetime DSM-IV AUDs (abuse or dependence) were 12.7% and 43.6%, respectively9. These numbers indicate an increase in DSM-IV AUDs from those found in NESARC-I of 8.5% and 30.3%, respectively, which is consistent with increased rates of heavy alcohol consumption found also during that 11-year period10,11. The relative pattern among ethnic groups, however, was consistent across the two NESARC waves. Among the five ethnic groups, DSM-5 past-year and lifetime AUD in NESARC-III were highest in Native Americans (19.2%, 43.4%) and lowest in Asian (10.6%, 15.0%), with Whites (14.0%, 32.6%), Hispanic (13.6%, 22.9%), and Blacks (14.4%, 22.0%) in between. When adjusted for sociodemographic variables and compared with Whites as the reference group, Native Americans were approximately 1.3 and 1.5 times more likely, whereas Blacks were one fifth and one half less likely, Hispanics were one third and one half less likely, and Asians were one half and one third less likely to have past-year and lifetime DSM-5 AUD, respectively9. In NESARC-I, DSM-IV past-year and lifetime AUD were also highest in Native Americans (12.1%, 43.0%) and lowest in Asians (4.5%, 11.6%). Past-year DSM-IV AUD did not differ among the other ethnic groups, but lifetime AUD was higher in Whites (6.9%, 34.1%)
