NCJ Number
127582
Journal
Urban League Review Volume: 13 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (1990) Pages: 93-98
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Substance abuse is prevalent among urban youth from various ethnic groups that fall outside the American mainstream. Confronted by life options including unemployment, gang membership, violence, adolescent pregnancy, crime, drug use, and drug distribution, many of these youth are attracted by the money associated with the trading of illicit drugs.
Abstract
Trends indicating an increase in adolescent drug arrests and violence suggest that more urban youth are using drugs as well as trading them. However, current drug prevention and treatment programs target urban youth as a homogenous group, rather than recognizing ethnic and cultural differences. To be effective, these programs must respect the integrity of each group and establish collective self-esteem. Personal counseling must reinforce the values, behavior, and experiences or individuals within their groups' collective experiences. 20 notes (Author abstract modified)