How does neighborhood violence affect Denver teens' substance use?

Neighborhood violence increases the risk of Latino and African American teens in Denver starting alcohol and tobacco use earlier.

What age did teens in the Denver study start smoking or drinking?

The average age for first alcohol use was 16.1 years, and for smoking was 15.6 years among teens in the study.

What community interventions can help deter teen substance use in Denver?

Youth clubs, sports teams, community centers, and parks are suggested as effective deterrents, alongside community-led programs promoting positive youth development.

Home / Health / Neighborhood Violence Fuels Teen Alcohol, Tobacco Use

Neighborhood Violence Fuels Teen Alcohol, Tobacco Use

10 Dec, 2025

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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.

Neighborhood Violence Fuels Teen Alcohol, Tobacco Use

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.