Surveys of reservation and nonreservation American Indians and Anglo-Americans in grades 8 and 12 examined perceptions about availability of alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, and other drugs; beliefs about whether occasional or regular use of alcohol or various drugs would cause harm; and intentions concerning future drug use. (SV)

Using the 1988-90 American Drug and Alcohol Survey data, compares drug use (lifetime and 30-day prevalence) among reservation and nonreservation American Indians and non-Indians in grades 8 and 12 in 1988-90. Found highest rates of drug use (marijuana, cocaine, crack, stimulants, inhalants, hallucinogens, and other drugs), alcohol use, and smoking…

Surveys of students in grades 8 and 12 revealed that high-risk behaviors and serious consequences (including arrests, accidents, and interpersonal problems) related to drug and alcohol use were most frequent among reservation Indian youth and least frequent among non-Indians, with nonreservation Indian youth intermediate. (SV)

Among American Indian and non-Indian adolescents, drug and alcohol use was most likely to occur at weekend parties, at night with friends, and while driving around. Use at school was comparatively low. Heavy drug users were more likely to have friends who used drugs and encouraged drug use. (SV)