Identifying Competing Life Reinforcers for Substance Use in First Nation Adolescents

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> Indigenous youth are at increased risk of initiating substance use at early ages and suffer greater negative consequences related to substance use as compared to non-Indigenous youth. Behavioral Theories of Choice suggests that substance use is contingent on the availability of substances and the availability of alternatives to substance use. <i>Objectives:</i> The present study aimed to investigate risk and protective factors associated with substance use in one group of First Nation adolescents. <i>Methods:</i> Using a modified grounded theory approach, the present study conducted qualitative focus groups and individual interviews with fifteen reserve-dwelling (75% female, <i>M</i> age = 15.2 years) First Nation adolescents to assess categories of risk and protective factors based upon Behavioral Theories of Choice. <i>Results:</i> Adolescents identified peer influences, parental/family influences, and community influences and issues as risk and protective factors associated with substance use. <i>Conclusions:</i> Results highlight possible targets of culturally appropriate prevention strategies for Indigenous populations.