Latino Adolescent Substance Use in the United States: Using the Bioecodevelopmental Model as an Organizing Framework for Research and Practice

Abstract

Research has indentified numerous risk and protective factors related to adolescent alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. However, most theoretical models do not account for nuances attributable to variations in culture or how these may influence prevention and treatment models. In this article, we have 4 primary purposes: First, we present an extensive and critical review of the literature on adolescent AOD use among Latino youths; second, we point out the idiosyncrasies associated with AOD use among Latino youths; third, we organize the literature according to Bronfenbrenner's bioecodevelopmental framework to bring together findings from a number of fields and disciplines in a thoughtful manner; and fourth, we point out different implications for researchers and practitioners.