Alcoholism prevention and Black youth

This paper examines forces internal and external to the black community which must be considered in developing alcoholism prevention strategies targeted to the needs of black youth. Norms and values which foster abusive drinking and a lack of awareness of the destructive impact of alcoholism are viewed as major internal forces, while the use of alcohol as a tool of oppression and racism is seen as the major external force which must be addressed. A call is made for the development of comprehensive, community-based efforts which emphasize primary intervention, mobilization of the major black institutions and involvement of black youth in planning and implementing alcoholism prevention measures.