White males as the leading users of illegal drugs: An exploration of contributing factors

Citation

Seffrin, P. M. & Costello, V. (2016). White males as the leading users of illegal drugs: An exploration of contributing factors. MSS-NCSA Joint Sociology Conference. Chicago.

Abstract

The increasing demand for more accessible and better quality drug treatment has motivated researches to find answers as to why people engage in drug and alcohol use. Criminological theories, while effective at explaining rates of violence and property crime, are less useful for addressing the social demographics of substance use. The current study draws on a sample of n = 10,120 respondents from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health (Add Health) to explore a range of factors that may contribute to differences in rates of drug and alcohol use among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Preliminary results indicate that white males from middle-class and more privileged backgrounds report relatively high rates of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiate, and prescription drug use when compared to women and racial minorities. Cultural values and political attitudes are explored as possible explanations for the observed socio-demographic differences in substance use.

Reference Type

Conference proceeding

Book Title

MSS-NCSA Joint Sociology Conference

Author(s)

Seffrin, P. M.
Costello, V.

Year Published

2016

City of Publication

Chicago

Reference ID

7983