The Crossover Effect: a Review of Racial/Ethnic Variations in Risk for Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder Across Development

Purpose of Review: The “crossover” effect, a phenomenon by which some minority groups switch from low to high risk for substance use as a function of age, was first documented 25 years ago. However, rigorous methodological research examining the crossover effect has only recently emerged. The current paper reviews the past 25 years of research on the crossover effect, which has primarily examined the shift from low to high substance use risk among Blacks relative to Whites. Recent Findings: Although findings regarding the crossover effect vary based on gender, socioeconomic status, and substance, Blacks and Hispanics appear to be at lower risk for some substance use—particularly binge drinking and cigarette smoking—than Whites during adolescence and early adulthood, but at higher risk for use in later life. Research regarding the crossover effect of substance use disorder and related problems is limited but more consistent with a similar pattern of effects observed. Summary: Due to significant limitations of the extant literature examining the crossover effect, it requires additional research to clarify sociodemographic differences in the effect, identify its mechanisms, and determine its clinical implications. Such research may have important implications for preventing racial/ethnic disparities in the consequences associated with disordered substance use. © 2018, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.