Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Immigrant Paradox in Substance Use

Using data from the National Longitudinal Studies of Adolescent Health, the present study examines self-reported substance
use (cigarettes, tobacco, and marijuana) among youth from different immigration generations to determine the immigrant paradox
in substance use for different racial and ethnic groups as well as factors contributing to the relationship between immigration
and substance use. Results of data analysis indicate the immigrant paradox in substance use among non-Hispanic Whites, Asians,
and Hispanics, but not among non-Hispanic Blacks. The study also shows that factors explaining the immigrant paradox in substance
use vary with racial and ethnic groups, but English use at home, friends’ cigarette and marijuana use appear to be the most
important mediating factors. Findings from the study suggest that effective interventions in youth substance use require an
understanding of adaptation patterns in different racial and ethnic groups, so that factors associated with adaptation problems
experienced by particular groups will be appropriately addressed.