American Indian youth and drugs, 1976-87: a continuing problem.

Continuing surveillance of drug use among American Indian adolescents living on reservations shows them to have rates of use higher than those of their non-Indian counterparts. Marijuana use is particularly high among Indian students. By the 7th grade a significant number of Indian youth have tried drugs, particularly marijuana and alcohol, and there are few significant differences by gender. Based on observed patterns of use, intervention strategies need to begin in the elementary school years and target both males and females equally.