Epigenetic Implications of Substance Abuse in Latino Populations: A Review of Substance-Specific and Intergenerational Outcomes

The Latino population encompasses unique socio-cultural and environmental nuances that could affect epigenetic alterations, yet these populations are still severely underrepresented in epigenomic studies. Substance abuse significantly alters gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA regulation. These changes can lead to long-lasting effects on neurobiological development and behavior, with implications that extend across generations. Among Latino populations, sociocultural stressors such as immigration, poverty, and systemic discrimination intersect with high rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), amplifying vulnerability to substance use and its intergenerational effects. This review synthesizes the current evidence on the epigenetic consequences of various substances—alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, opioids, and stimulants— focusing on their transmission pathways and behavioral outcomes in offspring. It integrates data from rodent models and emerging human studies with a specific emphasis on Latino populations. The findings underscore the need for culturally informed prevention and intervention strategies that consider both biological inheritance and social context. These strategies have the potential to significantly reduce existing health disparities in the Latino population suffering from substance abuse and to reveal exciting potential health benefits of these strategies.