Qualitative Exploration of Neighborhoods, Youth Substance Misuse, and Mental Health in an Urban Community

Our findings demonstrate that youth in Paterson view substance use as deeply intertwined with their socio-cultural, physical, and economic environments. These results highlight the need for multilevel interventions such as improving neighborhood safety and increasing access to culturally responsive mental health services. Policy implications include enacting zoning ordinances to limit the density of tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol retailers near schools and implementing school-based mental health programs. Taken together, these strategies can reduce youth exposure to risk environments and promote healthier developmental trajectories for urban youth of color.