Study: Family support vital to prevent teen substance use in border regions

Study: Family support vital to prevent teen substance use in border regions University of Arizona Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center researchers surveyed teens on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and found that strong family support can prevent children from using alcohol or drugs. Phil Villarreal Today University of Arizona Health SciencesBorder Fence University of Arizona Health Sciences Comprehensive Pain and Addiction researchers found that family support was a key factor in preventing teens in border communities from using drugs or alcohol.HealthCollege of Health SciencesResearch Media contact(s)Phil Villarreal University of Arizona Health Sciences Office of Communicationspvillarreal@arizona.edu520-621-8659New research from theUniversity of Arizona Health SciencesComprehensive Pain and Addiction Center found that high levels of family support may prevent substance use among teens who live in border towns on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.Adolescence is marked by changes and challenges, including the potential for substance abuse. In the United States, by their final year in high school, 46.7% of youth have tried  illicit drugs, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. Prior research shows social and environmental factors found in border towns can increase the potential of high stress, which is a well-known risk factor for adolescent substance abuse." Many border adolescents reported high perceptions of disordered neighborhood s...
Source: The University of Arizona: Health - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Source Type: research