NCJ Number
129298
Date Published
1990
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This study reviews research on the nature and extent of drug and alcohol use among Asian-American youth as well as substance-related problems, correlates of substance use, and prevention among these youth.
Abstract
Data and information were obtained from recent research in the field. The studies reviewed indicate that Asian/Pacific Islanders have high rates of abstinence and low rates of heavy use of alcohol and alcoholism compared with other ethnic groups. Asian/Pacific Islanders have lower levels of drug use than whites, especially of marijuana, cocaine, and other hard drugs. The one exception is Native Hawaiians who have an overall use rate higher than all other Asian groups as well as whites. There is some evidence that both alcohol and drug use among Asian Americans is increasing. The low levels of alcohol consumption among Asian Americans is attributed to differences in physiological factors and sociocultural values. The apparent increase in substance use among Asian-American youth may result from adoption of American cultural values and the stresses of learning to live in a new culture. Prevention programs for this population should be developed now, since the number of risk factors to which Asian-American youth are exposed is likely to increase. 18 abstracts and 99 references