NCJ Number
133773
Date Published
1990
Length
24 pages
Annotation
A brief historical background of the problem of drug abuse among Puerto Ricans in New York City precedes a summary of a study of 99 Puerto Rican males 18 to 30 years of age, 50 addicts and 49 non-addicts, designed to investigate drug use and drug abuse as a neighborhood phenomenon in the community in which it occurred, the East Tremont section of the Bronx.
Abstract
The neighborhood itself emerged as a significant factor in drug use or its avoidance in East Tremont. Several factors influenced whether a youth became addicted or avoided addiction: the development of a style of life; the capacity of the youth to manage his own affairs; and a network of family, friends, and neighbors who encourage and assist a youth to cope effectively with drugs as they deal effectively with a wide range of other neighborhood problems. Education proved significant; the high correlation between school dropouts and addiction was confirmed. For the non-addicts, the extended family was the most significant variable to emerge. 6 notes and 4 tables