Study findings indicate a lower risk for AUD among black, Asian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic than white respondents. Although genetic factors affecting alcohol metabolism likely influence lower rates among Asian respondents,42,43 understanding risk factors among white respondents and protective factors among black and Hispanic respondents will be important to elucidate the etiology of AUD and design better prevention and intervention programs. In contrast, Native American respondents had high rates of 12-month and lifetime severe AUD. These results are consistent with regional studies of Native Americans showing high rates of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality44-46 and underscore the need for more extensive prevention and intervention efforts in this group.
