Risk of initiation in systematic drug use by adolescents. Arroyo Naranjo, 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the onset of risky behaviors, including initiation into systematic drug use. Objective: To characterize participants based on the results obtained in the evaluations carried out, and identify the most relevant risk factors for initiation into systematic drug use. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on an intentional non-probabilistic sample consisting of 110 adolescents from educational institutions in the municipality of Arroyo Naranjo in the academic year 2018-2019. The ethical aspects of scientific research were taken into account. The sources of information used were the Projective, Narrative and Desiderative Psychological Testing Battery; and the Questionnaire for the Detection of the Use of Addictive Substances by Adolescents. Results: The results show that 66% of the adolescents studied had multiple risk factors; also 100 % of them had an adequate level of information about the risks for consumption; however, 67 % consumed them. As motivation, the satisfaction of material needs (60 %) and personal risks (91.8 %) were predominant. Consumers expressed risk factors associated with school (32.4 %), family members (26.6 %), and their relationships with peers (24.3 %). Conclusions: The adolescents studied were characterized by a high level of information on this topic, they presented multiple risk factors for the initiation of systematic consumption, and their motivational hierarchy focused on meeting material needs. Problematic alcohol consumption and school, family and social risk factors predominated in the study.

Keywords

• adolescencia, factores de riesgo, drogas, consumo problemático, adicciones.