The Effects of Social Integration/support on Drug Abuses among Aboriginals

• In Event: Substance Use in Varying Cultures

Abstract

Relying on the national stratified random sample of all Aboriginals aged 15 and above in Canada, this study investigates the effects of social integration on drug abuses among Aboriginals in Canada. Results from the multivariate logistical regression show that the effect of residential schooling is not statistically significant while the effect of Christianity has a significant negative effect on drug abuses. That is, Christian belief serves to prevent Aboriginals from getting involved with illegal drugs. Other factors of social integration/support, such as social mobility, strength of ties within communities, and no timely treatment are significant predictors of drug abuses as expected. In addition, the effects of psychological/health symptoms on drug abuse are explored with a series of control variables.

Authors

• Liqun Cao, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

• Velmer Burton, University of Mississippi