Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use among Black Youth.

The Centre for Alcohol and Drug Studies, Johannesburg (South Africa) commissioned a study of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among historically disadvantaged black youth aged 10 to 21 years. A national survey explored the prevalence of substance use in this age group through responses of 1,376 children and youths. An in-depth study examined use patterns and attitudes among 20 black children aged 7 to 10 years, 20 aged 11 to 14 years, and 20 aged 15 to 17 years. Half of those studied were male. Results of both studies suggest a fair amount of risk for the development of alcohol and drug related problems among these young people. The use of legal drugs, including over-the-counter medicines, alcohol, and tobacco, is fairly prevalent among young people. Drinking and smoking are far more frequent among males, and seem to be part of the entry into adulthood. They are generally linked, and initiation into drinking and smoking tends to take place in uncontrolled social situations under social pressures. These findings and the potential for increased alcohol and drug related problems mean that cost-effective and innovative alcohol and drug prevention programs are needed. An appendix contains tables of study findings. (Contains 32 tables and 45 references.) (SLD)