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Neighborhood Violence Fuels Teen Alcohol, Tobacco Use
10 Dec
Summary
- Violent neighborhoods increase Latino and African American teen substance use risk.
- Exposure to violence prompted teens to start earlier by two to eight months.
- Community programs may deter substance use initiation among Denver youth.
Levels of neighborhood violence significantly elevate the risk for Latino and African American teenagers in Denver to initiate alcohol and tobacco use. This exposure has been shown to trigger earlier substance experimentation as a coping mechanism for heightened stress.
Research indicates that teens in violent neighborhoods began using alcohol and smoking two to eight months sooner than their peers. Girls and Latino teens started using these substances earlier than boys and African American teens, respectively. Even after controlling for various risk factors, the association persisted.
While community interventions are still being explored, evidence suggests that youth clubs, sports, and community centers can act as powerful deterrents. Efforts are underway to develop targeted programs within Latino and African American communities to support positive youth development and prevent early substance use.
