Examining racial and ethnic differences in Asian adolescent drug use : the contributions of culture, background and lifestyle

FRANÇAIS :
Bien que les statistiques de diverses études différent, il est reconnu que la consommation de drogue chez les jeunes Américains d'origine asiatique augmente. Cette hausse est nettement remarquable parmi les citadins, plus exposés aux influences sociales (Lin, 1986). L'assimilation de la culture occidentale pousse les jeunes Asiatiques à risques vers une déliquance les conduisant à des arrestations, un abandon des études, et une consommation de drogues plus fréquente et plus durable. Pendant les neuf mois d'enquête, leur consommation et leurs influences culturelles ont été évaluées en utilisant le "Adolescent Substance Battery". En conclusion, la transition à la culture occidentale perturbe la structure hiérarchique familiale, l'interdépendence et l'identité propre des jeunes Américains d'origine asiatique.
ENGLISH :
Although statistics from various surveys differ, it is acknowledged that drug abuse is increasing among young Asian Americans. This increase is particularly noteworthy among those who reside in urban centres, where there is greater exposure to social influences (Lin, 1986). Extensive exposure of Asian adolescents to Western youth drug culture contributes to a higher risk of developing drug problems. The internalizing of Western culture puts young Asians at risk of engaging in delinquent acts that lead to drug arrests, school dropout, and a greater frequency and duration of drug use. In a ninemonth tracking study of Asian youth, their drug use and cultural influences were assessed using the Adolescent Substance Battery. It is suggested that the transition to Western culture disrupts the hierarchical family structure, interdependence, and self-identity of young Asian Americans. (Authors' abstract).