A review of the role of social support systems in the drug use behavior of Hispanics.

In this article the authors conducted a critical review of ongoing and recently completed drug abuse studies which have examined the importance of social support systems in the drug-using behavior of Hispanics. Published and unpublished preliminary data from these studies are presented and discussed. This critical review of the research literature supports earlier findings that social support systems play an important role in preventing drug abuse among Hispanics. Specifically, this review found that familial factors, peer influences, involvement with religious institutions, and after-school activities have a powerful impact on the drug-using behaviors of Hispanic child, youth and adult drug users. The authors suggest that drug prevention and treatment programs within Hispanic communities will be more successful if they incorporate social support systems into their programs. In conclusion, the authors identify areas in which the role of social support systems in the drug-using behavior of Hispanics need further investigation.