Attention to the Consumption of Psychoactive Substances: A Necessity for Adolescents with Criminal Behavior

Abstract

This study analyzes the prevalence of drug use in adolescents with criminal behavior and their willingness to receive treatment. It involved 337 Colombian adolescents with antisocial behavior (M=16.89, S.D.=1.35), who were part of the Colombian SRPA (System of Criminal Responsibility for Adolescents). Through a descriptive quantitative approach, an ad hoc survey, which inquired about the types of drugs they consumed, their uses, the age at which they began consumption, their willingness to receive treatment and to stop consuming them, was applied to the participants. The results showed a high incidence of consumption among adolescents and that the majority of them showed willingness to receive intervention. The need to base interventions with scientific evidence and implement programs so that adolescents receive treatment for drug use is evident. Preventive actions should include lowering the age at which adolescents start using psychoactive substances, as well as intervention strategies for those who are willing to stop consuming. In addition, the results also suggest developing alternatives that complement the judicial processes to improve interdisciplinary work in favor of dignifying and guaranteeing the rights of adolescents.

Keywords

• adolescence
• pedagogy
• criminal behavior
• attention
• consumption of psychoactive substances