When I started my journey to freedom from alcohol, I didn’t fully understand how differently alcohol impacts various communities. During Black History Month, it’s especially important to recognize that alcohol doesn’t affect everyone equally. The relationship between people of color and alcohol is shaped by unique cultural, social, and economic factors that we need to acknowledge, how POC are impacted by alcohol matters because it impacts us all.

A 2013 study showed that while Black Americans report lower rates of drinking than white Americans, those who do drink face more severe consequences. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 14.4% of Black adults reported having alcohol use disorder, but only 9.2% received treatment.

Why such a gap? That’s what we’ll explore today. From cultural expectations to healthcare access, from historical trauma to present-day marketing tactics – the story of alcohol in communities of color is complex but important to understand.

Let’s dive into how alcohol uniquely impacts people of color, and most importantly, highlight the inspiring resources and communities supporting POC on their journeys to freedom from alcohol.

Cultural Factors
Racial Disparities
Health Disparities
Alcohol-Free Resources
Black History Month Heroes

Cultural Factors and Alcohol Use in POC

Alcohol often weaves itself into cultural traditions across many communities of color, creating both celebration and challenge. In many Hispanic families, special occasions naturally include tequila or rum. African American communities might associate certain spirits with family gatherings or cultural events. And Asian American communities often face strong cultural pressure around business drinking.

Joseph, a member of our This Naked Mind community, shared: “In my family, refusing a drink during celebrations was seen as rejecting my heritage. It took years to realize I could honor my culture without the alcohol.”

The alcohol industry knows these cultural connections well. Studies show that alcohol companies spend more than $600 million annually on advertising, with a disproportionate amount targeting minority neighborhoods. Billboards promoting malt liquor and spirits appear 4-5 times more frequently in predominantly Black neighborhoods than in white areas.

The way alcohol is portrayed in media consumed by communities of color also matters. Music videos, films, and social media often show alcohol as a symbol of success and celebration. These images create powerful associations that can be difficult to question.

What’s rarely shown is how these cultural factors combined with other social determinants can create perfect conditions for dependence. The pressure to drink as part of cultural identity makes questioning alcohol much harder for many POC.

Alcohol and Racial Disparities

When we look at racial disparities surrounding alcohol, the numbers tell a troubling story. While initial consumption rates might be lower among some POC communities compared to white populations, the consequences often hit harder and faster.

Research published in the National Library of Medicine shows that Black Americans experience alcohol-related liver disease, hypertension, and other health problems at higher rates than white Americans who drink similar amounts. This isn’t about biological differences – it’s about stress, access to care, and other social factors.

Economic factors play a critical role too. When looking at how POC are impacted by alcohol, you can’t ignore the fact that liquor stores are significantly more concentrated in low-income neighborhoods with large minority populations. A Pew Research study found that in some urban areas, predominantly Black neighborhoods have up to 8 times more alcohol retailers per capita than white neighborhoods.

When it comes to seeking help, the disparities continue. According to SAMHSA, Black Americans face substantial barriers to treatment including:

• Lack of insurance coverage
• Limited culturally appropriate treatment options
• Mistrust of healthcare systems based on historical mistreatment
• Fewer treatment facilities in accessible locations

“I knew I needed help,” shares Lisa, a This Naked Mind reader, “but the only treatment center in my area didn’t have a single counselor who looked like me or understood my community’s relationship with alcohol.”

Health Disparities and Alcohol

Alcohol doesn’t just affect everyone equally on a health level, and this is especially true for people of color. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that Black Americans experience higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. All conditions that alcohol can severely worsen.

The stress of experiencing racism and discrimination creates what researchers call “allostatic load”. Essentially, the physical wear and tear that chronic stress puts on the body. Many people turn to alcohol to cope with this stress, creating a dangerous cycle. Alcohol temporarily relieves the pain but it ultimately worsens.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that perceived discrimination was directly linked to increased alcohol consumption among Black Americans. The researchers concluded that “alcohol may be used as a coping mechanism for racism-related stress.”

Access to quality healthcare also plays a role. When alcohol-related health issues develop, POC often receive diagnosis and treatment later than their white counterparts. This delay means more advanced disease and worse outcomes.

Dr. Maya Green, a physician working with underserved communities, explains: “By the time many of my Black and Latino patients receive care for alcohol-related liver disease, they’re often in crisis. Earlier intervention could save lives, but systemic barriers prevent it.”

Alcohol-Free Resources for POC

Finding support that truly understands your experience makes all the difference when changing your relationship with alcohol. Fortunately, there are growing resources specifically designed for and by people of color:

Online Communities:

• Sober Black Girls Club: Founded by Khadi Olagoke, this community offers virtual support groups specifically for Black women exploring sobriety.
• The Confess Project: The Confess Project of America is a national organization that fosters mental health advocacy in marginal and underrepresented communities.
• This Naked Mind Companion App: Our free app connects you with a diverse community where everyone is welcome, and many POC share their experiences and find support. Download it today to find your people.

Mental Health Support:

• Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: Provides culturally competent mental health support for African Americans, addressing underlying issues that may contribute to alcohol use.
• Black Mental Health Alliance: Offers resources and referrals to culturally competent providers who understand the intersection of race, mental health, and substance use.

Free Programs:

• The Alcohol Experiment: Our free 30-day program has helped thousands explore their relationship with alcohol without judgment or labels.

Black History Month Heroes in Recovery

Black History Month gives us a perfect opportunity to highlight recovery pioneers from the Black community who blazed trails for others to follow.

Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist, became a passionate temperance advocate after seeing alcohol’s devastating effects on enslaved people. In his words: “I have felt that the temperance cause was the cause of humanity, and that those engaged in it were the friends of the human race.”

Malcolm X’s transformation included leaving alcohol behind, which he described as key to his personal growth. His journey from addiction to leadership shows the powerful potential in every person when freed from alcohol.

More recently, Samuel Tate has shared his recovery story through SAFE Project, inspiring young Black men to seek help without shame. His work challenges stereotypes and creates space for vulnerability.

Each Thursday, join Cynthia, a Brooklynite in her 30s as she adjusts to being sober (it’s a thing), while navigating this crazy thing called life…one day at a time on the podcast “Getting Your Sh*t Together”.

These voices remind us that freedom from alcohol has always been part of liberation movements in communities of color. Their legacies invite us to imagine communities where everyone has the support to question their relationship with alcohol.

Recognizing How POC Are Impacted by Alcohol

As we honor Black History Month, let’s recognize that addressing alcohol’s impact on communities of color isn’t just about individual choices. It’s about creating systems and communities that support true freedom and health for everyone.

The challenges are real, from targeted marketing to healthcare disparities, from cultural pressures to economic factors. But the strength, resilience, and community support within communities of color provide powerful foundations for change.

If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, know that you’re not alone. A growing community of POC is having these conversations, creating spaces where everyone’s experience is honored and understood.

I invite you to join us in the This Naked Mind community, where thousands of people from all backgrounds are finding their way to alcohol freedom. Download our free Companion App today to connect with others who understand your journey.

Remember, questioning alcohol isn’t rejecting your culture – it’s reclaiming your right to define what wellness and celebration mean for you and your community.

Your story matters. Your health matters. And your journey to freedom from alcohol can inspire others who see themselves in you.

Annie Grace is the author of This Naked Mind and founder of The Alcohol Experiment, helping millions worldwide change their relationship with alcohol.