Recent Research on Substance Abuse among American Indian Youth. Prevention Research Update No. 11.

This document summarizes recent research on substance abuse among American Indian youth. The overview provides information on the nature and extent of the problem, use correlates and risk factors, and prevention. A conclusion is that factors that predispose American Indian youth to substance abuse include family disruption and dysfunction, which are often compounded or arise out of socioeconomic tribal problems; prejudice against Indians; and lack of educational opportunities among their parents. Recommendations, which should be adapted to the specific tribe, include: (1) strengthen reservation families; (2) provide available and effective adult alcoholism treatment; (3) enhance cultural programs and activities; (4) utilize extended families; (5) identify at-risk children and retain them in school; (6) implement culturally appropriate school-based prevention programs; (7) expand student support and intervention services; (8) and provide more positive activities for youth. The second section contains abstracts of 40 studies. (LMI)