Urban-Rural Comparisons of Drug-Taking Behavior among Alaskan Youth

Abstract

This study explores drug-taking behavior among Alaskan youth in urban, rural, and semiurban communities. It finds significant differences among these locations, which are largely attributable to variations in age of first trying marijuana and alcohol. Racial group effects specific to initiation into marijuana, and gender differences related to initiation to alcohol, are also found. The implications of these findings for educations and prevention of drug-taking behavior are discussed, with special emphasis on racial and cultural factors.

Key Words:

• Adolescence
• Drug use
• Ethnic
• Initiation to drugs