The consequences of drug and alcohol use for Indian youth.

Abstract

Indian youth have higher rates of using alcohol and drugs in ways that increase their risk--getting very drunk, drinking while driving, and using drugs and alcohol together. The highest rate is found among reservation youth, a lower rate among non-reservation Indians, and the lowest rate among non-Indian youth. Frequency of self-reported consequences from alcohol and drug use follow the same order, with 15% of reservation seniors involved in an alcohol-related accident. The most frequent consequences involve relationship problems. Drug injection is rare in all groups.