Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality – 2011
Summary of data on substance use among American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Notes that this population has higher substance use rates than other racial/ethnic groups, and monitoring Native youth substance use trends is important in aiding prevention and treatment efforts. Substance use rates for Native youth are generally higher than the national average, particularly for cigarettes, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Alcohol use rates are similar to those for the general youth population. Report also looks at Native youth substance use rates by age subgroup (12-14 and 15-17), gender, and socioeconomic status. Native use rates are generally higher than non-Native use rates in each category analyzed. Notes need for behavioral health services for this population and culturally appropriate prevention and treatment efforts.
