ABSTRACT
Examining the impact of cultural factors on substance abuse among Hispanic adolescents may provide important clinical insights about how these problems should be treated. One of the most frequently studied cultural factors associated with substance abuse among Hispanic adolescents is acculturation to the dominant American culture (Gil, Wagner, & Vega, 2000; Gfroerer & De La Rosa, 1993; Szapocznik & Kurtines, 1980). According to Marin ( 1992), acculturation can be broadly defined as a multidimensional psychosocial phenomenon that is reflected in psychological changes that occur in individuals as a result of their interaction with a new culture (p. 237). Although there are different approaches to conceptualizing acculturation, the consensus is that it is a powerful force shaping individuals' quality of life (Vega, Gil, & Wagner, 1998). Because of the impact of the acculturation process on youths' development, researchers have recently examined the impact of acculturation on adolescent substance use (Vega & Gil, 1999).
