Relationship of Perceived Racial Discrimination and Age of Onset for Cigarette, Alcohol, and Marijuana Use among Adolescents

Objective: In this study, we explored the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and age of initiation for alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use in a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey that was administered to students (N = 7705) in 128 high schools in the United States. We conducted bivariate logistic regressions to explore the relationship between perceived racial discrimination, initiation age of cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use, and demographic variables. Results: The odds of initiating all 3 substance use behaviors before age 13 were increased among participants who reported experiencing any level of perceived racial discrimination compared to those who reported never experiencing perceived racial discrimination. Participants who identified as gay or lesbian also experienced increased odds of early onset use. Conclusions: Adolescents experiencing perceived racial discrimination, as well as sexual minority youth, report higher likelihood of early onset cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use compared to their peers. Early onset substance use increases health risks for youth during both adolescence and adulthood. The psychosocial relationship between perceived racial discrimination and behavioral intentions, particularly among adolescents, should be explored further in public health research and practice.