Alcohol abuse prevention in African-American communities.

Because of the devastating morbidity, mortality, and social dislocations associated with alcohol abuse in many African-American communities, the prevention of alcohol abuse represents a critical component of the public health agenda for African Americans. This article reviews African-American cultural issues pertinent to alcohol use and abuse and the information available regarding the excess medical and social complications experienced by African Americans secondary to alcohol abuse. Some recommendations are made for a specific research agenda for the prevention of alcohol abuse with relevance to African Americans.