Many American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth are repeatedly exposed to opportunities to participate in self-destructive and illegal behaviors. This digest examines risk factors associated with four contexts: peers, family, school, and community. Recent research has shown that, relative to national averages, AI/AN youth have higher rates of illicit drug use, reckless behaviors involving motor vehicles, and suicide. There is also considerable anecdotal evidence of increasing gang activity among AI/AN students. Family factors impacting students' risk-taking behaviors and academic outcomes include presence or absence of strong traditional values; the legacy of the boarding school era, which disrupted intergenerational transmission of culture and child-rearing skills; family alienation from mainstream institutions; and high incidence of poverty and of households headed by young women. School conditions and racism may lead to student alienation and dropping out. Many reservation communities adversely affect AI/AN youth through high rates of alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic and other violence, child neglect, poverty, substandard housing, and unemployment. Additionally, in poor communities, schools are poorer and less successful. Resiliency research has shown that individuals and organizations can protect children exposed to community and family distress. (Contains 21 references.) (SV)