Hispanic subgroups also display heterogeneity in alcohol consumption. In the 2003–2005 NSDUH, the prevalence of current alcohol use was highest among Cubans, followed by Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and people of Central/South American descent (Lipsky and Caetano 2009). These patterns differed for binge and heavy drinking, which had the highest prevalence among Puerto Ricans, followed by Mexicans, Cubans, and Central/South Americans. Varying degrees of acculturation may help to explain these subgroup differences among Hispanics; however, the impact of acculturation on drinking also may vary by gender and age (Lipsky and Caetano 2009).
