Native American Adolescents’ Substance Use and Opportunity of Usage Substances: An Explanation Within Self-Control Theory

<b>Background:</b> Substance abuse and addiction among Native American adolescents have continually been problematic in the United States as their substance use can lead to detrimental consequences related to physical and mental health. <b>Objectives:</b> Relevant to the problem, this study applied Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory to explore the relationship between parental monitoring, low self-control, opportunity, and substance use among Native American adolescents. This study utilized a research project which Native American adolescents participated in a survey regarding substance abuse (<i>n</i> = 2,291). <b>Results:</b> The results indicated that opportunity significantly mediated the relationship between low self-control and substance use. Further, we found that parental monitoring played a crucial role in the relationship between opportunity and substance abuse. <b>Conclusions:</b> Overall, the findings provide a better understanding of why Native American adolescents may partake in substance use.