NCJ Number
129171
Date Published
1990
Length
34 pages
Annotation
Even though national and local survey data generally indicate less drug use among Latino youth than among white youth, this does not mean that Latino youth constitute a low-risk population.
Abstract
Most epidemiological survey data are school-based and do not reflect the large population that has dropped out and is most at risk of substance abuse, particularly of hard drug use. The few community-based studies available and research on treatment of clients clearly portray a population at high risk of substance abuse, although substances used and the degree of use may vary among different Latino populations and geographically. Even within student populations, data generally show higher risk for Latinos than for blacks, Asians, and other minority groups with the exception of Native Americans. Of particular concern are the heavy and increasing levels of drug use that occur among male drinkers beginning in adolescence and the high levels of dangerous drug use. Problems of prevention and treatment within the Latino community are among the most challenging in the field and involve family dynamics, language, and other cultural barriers. The high school dropout rate for Latino youth indicates that community-based prevention programs may be more important than school-based programs for this particular population. Abstracts of 14 studies involving Latino youth are included. 40 references