Substance Abuse Among Black Youth

• NCJ Number: 159398
• Author(s): M L Prendergast; G A Austin; K I Maton; R Baker
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 28 pages
• Contract Number(s): S188A00003
• Sponsoring Agency: Gang Intelligence Strategy Committee
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Prevention Research Update No. 4, Fall 1989

Annotation

This document reviews the available literature on patterns of alcohol and other drug use among black youth.

Abstract

The first section discusses the nature and extent of alcohol, marijuana, inhalant, cocaine, and heroin use among this population. Substance-related problems include health issues, criminal behavior including involvement in drug trafficking, social and behavioral problems, and academic attainment. The report discusses several possible correlates of alcohol and other drug use, including socioeconomic status, peer and parental influences, religious factors, and juvenile attitudes toward drug use. The literature on prevention has emphasized the need to tailor programs to specific ethnic groups in order to account for cultural values, social status, drug use patterns, drug-related problems, and attitudes toward drugs. This document contains abstracts of relevant research article and studies. 131 references