Research has shown a differential risk for alcohol use and alcohol use disorders based on sociodemographic characteristics. Specifically, White race has consistently been identified as a risk factor. Non-Hispanic Whites have lower rates of lifetime abstinence, have higher rates of current drinking and are younger at initiation of drinking than Blacks (Grucza et al., 2008b; Hubbard et al., 1986; Johnson et al., 2005; National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 2006; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2009). Additionally, multiple studies have demonstrated higher rates of alcohol abuse and dependence in Whites when compared to Blacks or Hispanics (Anthony et al., 1994; Grant et al., 2004; Kalaydjian et al., 2009). Analyses from Wave I data of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) found that the risk of both current and lifetime alcohol dependence was lower for both Blacks and Hispanics as compared to Whites (Hasin et al., 2007). Using data from the National Comorbidity Survey, Kalaydjian and colleagues (2009) found that non-Hispanic Whites were more likely than Blacks and Hispanics to initiate alcohol use
