Which ethnic group of adolescents is most likely to initiate use of alcohol, cigarettes, and prescription drugs?

Adolescents from the White ethnic group are statistically more likely to initiate the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and prescription drugs. This trend may be influenced by several factors, including cultural attitudes towards substance use, availability of substances, peer influence, and social norms. Research often indicates that adolescents in this demographic may have more available opportunities to experiment with these substances, various social pressures, or a greater acceptance of use in their immediate communities compared to other groups.

While other ethnic groups may also engage in substance use, the data consistently show that White adolescents tend to start these behaviors at an earlier age, which can result in higher rates of prevalence in use compared to their peers from other ethnic backgrounds. Understanding these trends is essential for developing effective prevention strategies that are tailored to the specific needs and dynamics of different communities.