Some populations suffer disproportionately from consequences of drug abuse.
Through more than 25 years of scientific research, NIDA has dramatically advanced our understanding of the ways that drugs act on cells, in the brain, and in the lives of individuals. NIDA research shows that, contrary to a common stereotype, overall rates of drug abuse among racial and ethnic minorities are similar to rates in the general population, although some aspects of drug abuse may differ. For example, the initiation and progression of drug use appear to differ among populations. White youth begin using drugs at a younger age than do minority youth, but evidence suggests young African Americans who begin using drugs are more likely to continue use than are whites. We also know that some populations suffer disproportionately from consequences of drug abuse.