RACIAL-DIFFERENCES IN ADOLESCENT DRUG-USE - THE IMPACT OF RELIGION

Contrary to popular stereotypes, current studies of adolescent populat ions suggest that Black teens are less likely to use illicit drugs tha n are White teens. This study investigates the extent to which differe nces in religiosity are responsible for racial differences in drug use . Using data from a national survey of United States high school senio rs, our results indicate that religion does provide some protection fr om drug use by adolescents. However, religiosity has less of an impact on the drug use of Black adolescents, perhaps as a result of the dive rse roles of the Black church.