North American Indigenous adolescent substance use

ObjectivesTo investigate growth in problem drinking and monthly marijuana use among North American Indigenous adolescents from the upper Midwest and Canada.MethodsPanel data from a community-based participatory research project includes responses from 619 adolescents residing on or near 7 different reservations/reserves. All respondents were members of the same Indigenous cultural group.ResultsRates of problem drinking and monthly marijuana use increased steadily across the adolescent years, with fastest growth occurring in early adolescence (before age 15). In general, female participants reported higher rates of substance use prior to age 15; however, male reports of use surpassed those of females in later adolescence.ConclusionsResults of this study highlight the importance of early adolescent substance use prevention efforts and the possible utility of gender responsive programming.

► Youth in this study showed little to no substance use in late childhood.
► Adolescent substance use rates grew most quickly prior to age 15.
► Females reporter more substance use compared to males prior to age 15.
► Males’ substance use surpassed females’ after age 15.