PATTERNS OF SUBSTANCE-ABUSE AMONG RURAL BLACK-ADOLESCENTS

Adolescent substance abuse continues to be a major health-related prob lem in this country. Although substantial information is available on the overall incidence of use, comparatively little attention has been given to use patterns among minority adolescents or those who reside i n nonmetropolitan areas. Using data from the most recent Monitoring th e Future survey, we examine the role of race and residence in affectin g substance abuse patterns. Overall, our findings are consistent with previously reported research in indicating that residence differences are modest. Additionally, compared with Whites, Black youth are much l ess likely to report drug use. In the bivariate analysis, major correl ates of use include gender family structure, religious attendance, gra de point average (GPA), and the availability of unearned income. In th e multivariate analysis, race, family structure, religious attendance, GPA, and unearned income remain significant. The potential protective role played by family and church in the rural, Black context is discu ssed.