The Rates of Substance Use Among Arab American Young Adults in a Michigan Community

Background Research investigating substance use among Arab Americans is very limited. The purpose of this study is to determine rates of substance use among Arab American young adults. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was distributed in Dearborn, MI, and surrounding cities. The survey measured substance use among Arab Americans aged 18–30 within a community in Michigan. Results The analytic sample included 423 respondents. The rate of hookah “ever users” was highest followed by alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana at 55%, 33%, 29%, and 28%, respectively. Rates of “current use” for these four substances also followed an identical order. Of note, rates of “ever use” for prescription stimulants, E-cigarettes, and opioid use were 19%, 12%, and 11.2%, respectively. The use of tobacco products, alcohol, and marijuana use among males was significantly higher when compared to females. Conclusions Near or above national average rates of substance use lends credence to the importance of this issue within Arab American communities. Tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use are multifactorial issues requiring increased attention and further exploration into factors associated with substance use, including potential stigma and the challenges of cultural acceptability.