The Effects of Perceived Racial/Ethnic Discrimination on Substance Use Among Youths Living in the Cherokee Nation

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Brady A. Garrett, Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health; Bethany J. Livingston, University of North Texas; Melvin D. Livingston, University of North Texas; Kelli Komro, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2017-01-01
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge): STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1067828X.2017.1299656
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse
• ISSN: 1067-828X
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 242
• End Page: 249
• Grant/Funding Information: This study was supported by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Grant Number R01AA020695.
• Keywords: adolescence; ABUSE; COMMUNITY; ADOLESCENTS; AMERICAN-INDIANS; RISK; Substance Abuse; MENTAL-HEALTH; BEHAVIORS; perceived racial discrimination; UPPER MIDWEST; CHILDREN; YOUNG-ADULTS; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; substance use; Science & Technology; American Indian
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, General; Psychology, Behavioral

Abstract

We examined frequency and intensity of racial/ethnic discrimination and the longitudinal relationship to substance use. The sample included (N = 1,421) American Indian, American Indian and White, and White adolescents. A high frequency of perceived racial discrimination was associated with an increased risk for heavy alcohol use, prescription drug misuse, and other illicit drug use. Experiences of perceived racial discrimination high in intensity were associated with further increased risk of prescription drug misuse and other illicit drug use. Race/ethnicity did not moderate the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and substance use. Interventions targeting the deleterious effects of racial discrimination may need to be designed to account for both the environment and the individual.