Why are White teens more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs?

According to a New York City Department of Health study, White teens are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs than minority teens. 28% of White kids binge drink, as opposed to 18% of Latino teens and only 8% of Black youth. 43% of White teenagers have used drugs, but only 37% of Black kids and 34% of Latino young people.





Why is alcohol and drug abuse so much more common among White teenagers?





And, since Whites are more likely to abuse drugs, how come Blacks and Latinos are so much more likely to get arrested for drugs?

Why are White teens more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs?
White people are SO defensive when the tables are turned, but when it's one of the SLEW of surveys highlighting the downfalls of minorities -- these arguments about the validity of surveys are never made. Funny stuff indeed! I am a very versatile young African American male. I have lived in the suburbs, and I have lived 'other places'. I can say in my personal experiences, my white friends BY FAR do more drugs and alcohol than friends of other races. They know it to be true, and could care less. The argument about finances and economics is ridiculous! I have friends -- both white and black -- that attain drugs easily without much money if any. I thought it was common knowledge that drugs don't possess any economical, racial, or social boundaries. I guess not because most of you people are severely ill-informed. Save the BS people!
Reply:Yeah its also sad that only the imbecilic people spoke on the behalf of caucasians pertaining to this question. I would've liked to had seen an educated white person answer this question, and spawn an interesting conversation. Take care Vinnie... Report It

Reply:So, one study of one city because it suits your preconceived ideas is the final arbiter? Have you looked at studies for other cities and rural areas? Have you looked at the collection methods of this data, the locales used and the variance percentages? One study is not proof. Lets wait for more until we jump to conclusions. Oh, sorry, you've already done that.
Reply:At first I thought you seriouslly studying something, this is just some kind of rant. But its possible that whites do not drink so much in public and travel when drunk or high. I know its stylish to have racist images in your head that whites have secret handshakes and things but I don't know any cops who give a crap what race people are, if you're drunk or high you are getting tossed. Sorry, I know you are hoping for some good old fashioned American hate talk but it is no more sinister than white kids tend to live in burbs and rural areas and is easier to drink at someone's house or some remote location than to travel around or to stand on the street and drink or get high so they are much less likely to be seen by random patrol units.


ADD: Now that I have read the answers and your add on I see this is just a racist rant. What is modern about race relations is that blacks are the great racists and there are just a few klanner crackers running around who are always shouted down by other whites. Here is a stat, 78% of all blacks are racist toward whites, Jews, Koreans, Asians and other blacks (most crime against black is black on black, black on white crime is higher percentage than white on black even though whites are larger group). So there you go racist, smoke those. And that comes from the Office of Civil Rights, and that agency is run by a black man. See how stupid you sound?
Reply:Could it possibly be simple economics? White people make more money, hence, can afford more alcohol, drugs, etc.?
Reply:I find that very hard to believe. I'm not fond of survey's anyhow. Who completed the survey questions? Who was honest in their answers? Who was it presented to?Where did they gather their data? Are they going by how many "white" folks appeared at the NYCDept. of HEalth? What about those that did not go to the Dept of Health and were minority? What is the age group of those questioned? We do know that there are more financial access for white children in NYC, and much more poverty among other races... so perhaps if it is true statistics it is due to financial access to drugs? Was this calculated from those that have sought treatment? If so, I do believe those in poverty have less opportunities for treatment than say someone with a more financial background. That in itself could throw the numbers way off. I personally do not put much faith in surveys. Too many possible alternatives that are missed when surveying. Just my thoughts.
Reply:I searched web......drugs+alcohol+teens+New York City.


Where is source of your info?


A link?????


Maybe white kids are more inclined to answer the poll in the first place.


Why more Blacks and Latinos arrested?


I will tell you what you want to hear.


Cause New York City admin is a bunch of racist crackers.





But how strongly can you feel about issue when you don't even go through the trouble to provide a link??
Reply:I do not believe this statistic..
Reply:They are just trying to fit in with the neighbors.
Reply:You American people are funny.





I'm not an American. And let me tell you what people outside Amercia think (yes, there are people outside America. And it's not just Iraqis!).





Most American teens smoke weeds and drink themselves to "highness" - regardless of race. As long as you're an American teen, I won't be surprised if you tell me you've had a share of weeds, pots, meth, whatever else.......





You don't see such trends anywhere in most other developed countries.
Reply:Remember: The statistics you site are for the NYC area, not national statistics. The national data on this topic is rather mixed and complicated. For instance, Americans of Cuban decent are much less likely to abuse drugs than Puerto Ricans. Taken individually, there are interesting sociological questions in this particular statistic - questions that might not come to the fore when "Hispanics" are statistically lumped together. There are gender gaps in drug abuse statistics, as well. Nationally, the ethnic group with the highest rate of substance abuse is the Native American population. A survey consisting only of NYC data would miss this entirely.


For a really exhaustive database of this statistical data please take a look at the following site:





http://www.drugabusestatistics.samhsa.go...
Reply:i know about US society a little bit.





about number survey of your abuse alcohol and durgs,





i think


in US society , white people is the most people.


so answer's man are white more than others.





and sometime


because Cultural of Ethic too
Reply:maybe we just like to get messed up... i do on ocassion, and last time i checked i was white...the reason for all of it is racisim. white cops go after latinos and blacks cause they are jealous of culture... us white folk dont really have much culture... just a history of stealing other cultures... funny that we are almost the minority now... scew it man im neutral... i like everyone.
Reply:Money. The white kids have more money and have access to the drugs/alcohol without having to go out and rob anyone for it. The white kids don't need to pool resources in a gang either.





It comes down to poverty.
Reply:White is vastly approaching the new "minority" in America. The rights are being expelled from low income white because of their race. Government sees they have more of a chance than any other race so they are excluded from help. They are raised with the belief they have to be smarter, stronger and faster because there are no alternatives. There isn't anyone who will give them food stamps if they cannot feed their families. The government did not give them 10 grand for being a citizen. The rights of the white man have been severely compromised to the point where they are now the minority of the American population, without the legal benefits to such a claim. Wouldn't you drink?
Reply:because we are that cool! YEAH Bitches!
Reply:shizsham !!!