NCJ Number
158611
Date Published
1995
Length
113 pages
Annotation
Data from several epidemiological studies sponsored by Federal agencies form the basis of this report on the nature and incidence of drug use among minorities, with emphasis on prevalence among the both the general population and youth, links with behaviors such as dropping out of school and driving under the influence, use among pregnant women and women of childbearing age, and adverse health consequences.
Abstract
The surveys varied with respect to the methods of collection, definitions, and time period. Results indicated that drug abuse affects racial and ethnic minorities in a disproportionate manner. Adverse consequences in minority populations include negative effects on employment, school achievement, and family stability as well as increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Blacks and other minorities may be at greater risk than whites of fatal and nonfatal consequences of drug abuse due to their preference for injecting drug use and choice of more dangerous drugs. Asian American youth generally report very low drug use compared with other groups, especially for alcohol. African American youth consistently report lower rates of drug use than whites. Hispanic youth typically report more drug use than black youth and only slightly less use than whites. Research recommendations, figures, tables, appended methodological information, and 59 references