Indian youth in Montana drink and smoke more

Friday, November 9, 2007  

Indian high school students in Montana drink and smoke more than their counterparts, according to a new survey.

Of 8th, 10th and 12th graders, 45 percent of Indian students said they had five or more drinks on one occasion within the past month. The state average was 38 percent.

Nearly half, or 46 percent, of Indian youth said they rode in a car driven by someone who had been drinking within the past month. The state average was 37 percent.

Seventeen percent of Indian youth said they used methamphetamine at least once, compared to 10 percent of other students in the state. The national average is 8 percent.

Among Indian students, 70 percent say they've smoked at least once while 35 percent say they've used smokeless tobacco. Statewide, 44 percent said they have smoked and 22 percent said they have used smokeless tobacco.

Get the Story:
Substance abuse by Montana youth higher than national average (AP 11/9)

$rl Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - http://www.dphhs.mt.gov