Hispanic Adolescents Have Highest Use of Illegal Drugs: Scientists Meet in Miami to Address Impact of Drug Abuse on Hispanics

Hispanics comprise one of the youngest segments of the U.S. population, with a third of the population under 18 years of age. The greatest risk for becoming dependent on drugs occurs between the ages of 15 and 29, according to Drug Use Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities, a 2003 report issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. These facts together are of particular importance to Hispanics, considering that Hispanic adolescents have higher rates of drug use than other groups in the U.S. Recent national data on current (defined as last month) illegal drug use among 12th-graders reveal that Hispanic high-school seniors have the highest rates for use of cocaine, crack and heroin. Even so, these are underestimates of actual drug use rates for Hispanics, given that a large proportion of Hispanics do not make it to 12th grade.

article in English / artí­culo en Ingles o en Español usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

from hispanictips.com :: hispanic news & commentary

Stumble it! | |

Other posts that may interest you

Hispanic Scientists to Weigh Critical Issues Facing Hispanic Community During National Conference in Miami

Prescription Drug Abuse a Disturbing Trend Among Hispanic Youth

Legal Drugs Kill Far More Than Illegal, Florida Says - An analysis of autopsies in 2007 released this week by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission found that the rate of deaths caused by prescription drugs was three times the rate of deaths caused by all illicit drugs combined.

University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies Receives Major Federal Grant to Address Hispanic Health Issues

Mexican drug smuggling a $400B business

Hispanic drug use rises in US culture

Mexican official says new drug war strategy prompts attacks on army

High U.S. cocaine cost shows drug war working: Mexico

Mexican drug lords to face U.S. trials, Fox says

Hispanic, Black Men More Likely To Contract HIV/AIDS From Drug Use