Substance Use among Rural and Urban Youth and Young Adults

Authors

Jennifer D. Lenardson MHS, University of Southern Maine, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Nathan Paluso MPH, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Erika C. Ziller PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow

Document Type

Policy Brief

Publication Date

11-9-2020

Keywords

substance use, substance abuse, rural, youth, MRHRC, health policy

Abstract

Rural youth and young adults have historically had higher use rates of alcohol and other substances than their urban counterparts. Recent research suggests that rates of youth and young adult alcohol and other substance use have declined over the past two decades, but we have limited knowledge of whether and how current rural and urban substance use patterns may differ. As national substance use rates decline, it is important to re-assess differences in use among rural versus urban youth and young adults. This study uses data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) to examine rural-urban differences in the rates of substance use among youth and young adults. Findings can help inform rural-specific prevention strategies and research targeting rural communities.

FMI: Erika Ziller, PhD, erika.ziller@maine.edu

Funding Organization

Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

Recommended Citation

Lenardson, J. D., Paluso, N., & Ziller, E. (2020). Substance Use among Rural and Urban Youth and Young Adults (PB-76). University of Southern Maine, Maine Rural Health Research Center.