Resiliency factors related to substance use/resistance: Perceptions of Native adolescents of the southwest

This exploratory, qualitative study examined risk & protective factors influencing drug & alcohol use &/or resistance of Native youth in the Southwest. Thirty-two Native middle school students participated in 10 focus groups that explored their experiences with alcohol & drugs in their school & reservation communities. The findings indicate a complex interaction of both risk & protective factors related to substance use. Respondents' cousins & siblings, in particular, played a key role in their decisions to use or resist drugs. Implications for social work practice are discussed. 38 References. Adapted from the source document.