Community-based interventions for addressing alcohol and tobacco dependence in latino communities: Adapting consensually derived guidelines

Background: This article describes the development of culturally sensitive guidelines for an alcohol and tobacco use intervention model for Latino communities. Extensive research supports the fact that people who use alcohol also use tobacco. In fact, 80% to 95% of alcoholics smoke, with the heaviest alcohol consumers being the heaviest consumers of tobacco. Concurrent use of these substances poses numerous public health threats. The goals of this project are to increase the consistency of culturally appropriate treatment strategies for this population. Method: A consensus conference composed of nationally recognized experts in nicotine dependence, multiculturalism, treatment, research, and consumer advocacy were identified and convened. Results: The panel recommended and developed a community intervention model as a best practice for use in Latino communities. This consensually derived model incorporated promotores, or community health workers, as frontline interventionists. Following the consensus recommendations, the authors of this article describe how these models can be modified to address concomitant dependencies to alcohol and tobacco. Conclusion: The model presented is a promising and replicable approach to improve the health of nicotine- and alcohol-dependent Latino adults. Alcohol treatment providers need to be aware of these promising intervention approaches. This community-based model has the potential for reaching countless individuals who may not otherwise be exposed to alcohol- and tobacco-related interventions.