Early Onset Alcohol Use Among American Indian Adolescents: An Examination of Caretaker Influence.

This study addresses a gap in the research regarding Native American alcohol use at the family level specifically, and current understandings of the ways in which caretaker substance use transmits to youth use generally. The influence of caretaker substance use on early onset adolescent drinking is examined through concepts of social learning theory and coercion theory. Data comes from the "Healing Pathways Project," a 3 year longitudinal study of Native American families in the upper Midwest and Canada. The current sample includes 552 families, with reports from female caretakers and target adolescents aged 10-13 years. Results of bivariate and path analysis provide support for the influence of caretaker substance use on adolescent drinking from both theoretical perspectives; however, these effects vary depending on the type and/or degree of adult substance use measured. Implications for culturally specific prevention programs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]