An Examination of Cultural Adaptations Performed by LGBT-Identified Youths to a Culturally Grounded, Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Intervention

Abstract

Historically, substance abuse prevention programs are created with samples that conform to the majority population. Research shows that substance use risk factors are higher for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youths (Eisenberg & Wechsler, 2003), and LGBT youths report higher use of substances than their heterosexual counterparts (Lampinen, McGhee, & Martin, 2006; Marshal et al., 2008; Russell, Truong, & Driscoll, 2002). However, when compared to LGBT adults, knowledge of youth substance use is limited. Unfortunately, few interventions are tailored to LGBT youths. It is necessary to investigate the factors associated with substance use that are unique to this population in order to tailor interventions to their needs. A preliminary study was conducted which adapted an evidence-based prevention program with guidance from LGBT youths at a drop-in center. This article explores the qualitative findings of the curriculum adaptation and a focus group through use of a grounded theory method. Findings suggest that this population of youths are easily engaged in the adaptation process and provide unique and relevant adaptations. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• LGBT
• youth
• cultural adaptation
• substance abuse prevention