ERIC Number: ED498465
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Sep
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Hispanic Teens & Drugs. A Special Report
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Across the Nation, teen drug use is down 23 percent since 2001 among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, reflecting reductions in the use of nearly every drug. However, data from 2005 and 2006 indicate that there are still some areas of concern for Hispanic youth. Hispanic 8th graders have a higher rate of illicit drug use than other teens in the same grade level. Hispanics have the highest rates of illicit drug use compared to their White and African American counterparts. More than 10 percent of Hispanic 8th graders reported current illicit drug use compared to White (8%) and African American (9%) 8th graders. Hispanic teens in all grades use marijuana more than any other drug. In addition, Hispanic teens' use of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine currently outpaces other students. For Hispanic parents, educational attainment is of great importance, but youth drug use can be a barrier to educational achievement. Unique factors, such as acculturation, can impact Hispanic drug use. Yet, because of the critical role parents and family play in decision making by teens, there are steps that parents and family can take to prevent drug use. (Contains 18 endnotes.) [This special report was compiled by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.]
Descriptors: Grade 8, Grade 12, Grade 10, Educational Attainment, Drug Use, Hispanic Americans, Adolescents, Marijuana, Cocaine, Academic Achievement, Acculturation, Parent Role, Family Role, Decision Making
Office of National Drug Control Policy. Executive Office of the President, Washington, DC 20503. Tel: 202-395-6700; Fax: 202-395-6708; Web site: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 10; Grade 12; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Office of National Drug Control Policy, Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A