Adolescent immigrant generation and stigmatizing attitudes toward drug addiction

Abstract

This study examined differences in stigmatizing attitudes toward individuals addicted to drugs among three immigrant generations of youth, and the role of adolescent drug use and friends’ drug use on the association. Data were derived from the 2005 cycle of the Ontario Student Drug Use Survey administered to students in grades 7–12 in the province of Ontario, Canada. A sample of 4078 students completed questionnaires that included a measure of stigma toward drug addiction. Results indicated some immigrant generational differences in negative attitudes toward individuals addicted to drugs, but much of this difference was explained by adolescents’ individual drug use and friendships with individuals who use drugs. The difference between second-generation immigrant youth and their third- and later-generation counterparts was not fully explained. This study highlights the need for greater research on adolescent stigma toward drug addiction given that stigma may reduce drug usage but also may reduce help-seeking among individuals with an addiction.