Family Structure and Substance Use Among American Indian Youth: A Preliminary Study

This study examines relationships between both family structure and living with extended family, and substance use among 97 American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents. Findings demonstrate an increased likelihood of alcohol initiation and regular tobacco use among those in single-parent versus original two-parent homes; and an increased likelihood of marijuana initiation among those in both single parent and nonparent family member homes versus original two-parent homes. The significant link between residing in a single-parent versus an original two-parent home and alcohol and marijuana initiation remained after controlling for parenting practices. There was also a positive association between cohabiting extended family and youth tobacco initiation. It is suggested that living in an original two-parent home may be an important protective mechanism among this group of AI/AN youth. Findings pertaining to extended family and tobacco initiation also suggest that a closer look at cohabiting kinships and youth substance behavior within AI/AN families is needed.