"Other" Substance Use Among American Indian Reservation-Area High School Youth.

American Indian (AI) and non-AI youth living on or near reservations show largely similar rates of using substances often grouped as 'other' (inhalants, MDMA, hallucinogens, prescription opioids, over-the-counter cold medicines), though some regional and sex-based differences emerge. In two regions, AI youth had higher odds of using any 'other' substance than non-AI youth, while in the Southeast and Northwest they were less likely to use prescription opioids and over-the-counter cold medicines, respectively. Males in the Southwest were more likely than females to use inhalants, hallucinogens, and tranquilizers. The Southern Plains region reported the highest prevalence of 'other' substance use overall. These patterns can guide targeted prevention and intervention.

Study at a glance

Abstract

High school youth have an elevated risk of substance use. Some substances (e.g., inhalants, MDMA) used by youth are overlooked or grouped in an "other" category. Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, American Indian (AI) youth may be at higher risk of using these substances. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and patterns of use of "other" substances among youth living on or near reservations. This study uses data from Our Youth Our Future, a national probability sample survey of substance use among reservation-based youth (n = 14,769) to examine prevalence rates of use across sex (51% male), AI identity (61% AI), and their intersection within seven geographic regions of the United States. Results indicate AI youth largely did not endorse "other" substance use at significantly higher rates than non-AI youth, although in two regions they held higher odds of use of any "other" substance compared to non-AI participants. In the Southeast and Northwest, AI youth were less likely to use prescription opioids and over-the-counter cold medicines than non-AI youth, respectively. Notable effects for sex emerged such that males in the Southwest were more likely to use inhalants, hallucinogens, and tranquilizers than female participants. Participants in the Southern Plains reported the highest prevalence of "other" substance use. While overall risk of using "other" substances is similar between AI and non-AI youth in many regions, differences in use patterns by AI identity and sex can help target prevention and intervention efforts.