Adolescent Drug Dealing and Race/Ethnicity: A Population-Based Study of the Differential Impact of Substance Use on Involvement in Drug Trade

Abstract

Background: Among adolescents, peers are an important source of drug procurement. However, little is known about factors associated with youths’ involvement in drug trade. Objectives: The aim of the study is to identify substance use behaviors and contextual factors related to drug dealing among Black and White adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of 13,706 White and Black youths who completed the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Separate backward logistic regression was used to identify substance use behaviors and contextual factors associated with drug dealing among Black and White youths. Results: Among White youths, drug dealing was associated with use of marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, prescription drug misuse, availability of cocaine, and socioeconomic status (SES). Among Black youths, marijuana use and availability of crack and marijuana were associated with drug dealing. Conclusions and Scientific Significance: For White youths, substance use seems to be more relevant to drug dealing. Consequently, preventing and treating substance abuse may reduce involvement in the illegal distribution of drugs among White youths. More research is needed to identify risk and protective factors for drug dealing among Black adolescents.