Drug Use Among Adolescents of five Southwestern Native American Tribes

Abstract

Drug use by Native American adolescents from five Southwestern tribes is compared with a large national sample. Native Americans show higher use of alcohol, marijuana, and inhalants from the 7th through the 12th grade. They show lower use of barbiturates. Peyote may be seen as less dangerous than LSD. There are no significant differences for other drugs. Cultural characteristics that may influence potential danger from drug use and intervention strategies are noted.