Race/Ethnic Differences in Alcohol Abuse Among Youth

Researchers have long been surprised that minority youth exhibit lower rates of alcohol abuse than White youth since socioeconomic disadvantage often contributes to substance abuse. However, the present study suggests that social and economic disadvantages might also suppress risk-taking propensities, which in turn may reduce the incidence of alcohol abuse. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which social and cultural resources affect attitudes toward risk.