American Indian and Alaska Native youths are also more likely than other races/ethnicities to perceive minimal risk of harm from substance use, according to a recent special analysis of data from the 2002 and 2003 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health.

For example, more than one-half (57.5%) of American Indian and Alaska Native youths reported that they thought there was moderate, slight, or no risk of harm from smoking marijuana once or twice a week, compared to 46.9% of other races/ethnicities.

Previous research has shown an association between decreased perceptions of risk and increased substance use (see CESAR FAX, Volume 12, Issue 5).

For details, including data charts, source information and caveats, download the PDF file at www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/cesarfax/vol14/14-14.pdf.

Reprinted from CESAR Fax, a weekly, one-page overview of timely substance abuse trends or issues, from The Center on Substance Abuse Research (CESAR) at the University of Maryland.

Editor's Note: Please read the original Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Use among American Indian or Alaska Native Youths report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.