Associations between witnessing serious violence and drug use, and the protective influences of family cohesion and parental monitoring, were JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE, 16(3), 455-478

The objectives of this study, carried out in 1995, were to assess both licit and illicit substance use among rural male and female Costa Rican adolescents, and associated health, psychological, and psychosocial problems. A sample of 304 students from rural schools was randomly selected. The mean age for females was 14.7 years (S.D. = 1.71), and for males was 14.4 years (S.D. = 1.62). The data were collected using the Latin-American version of Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI). Results showed a high prevalence of past-year alcohol use for both males and females (56.6% and 47.4%, respectively), and a lower prevalence of past-year tobacco use (44.0% and 7.7%). There results also showed a low level of use of solvent inhalants and benzodiazepines. In terms of illicit drugs, males preferred cocaine and marijuana, while females only reported amphetamine use. An analysis of adolescent functioning showed differences among alcohol users and nonusers in behavior patterns and peer relationships. However, no significant differences were found regarding rebellion, depression, and social isolation. The implications of these results are discussed, along with the importance of enhancing prevention, as well as early detection and intervention.

El alcoholismo es una enfermedad que puede ser discapacitante, con una alta prevalencia en población adulta mayor en Costa Rica. Para su diagnóstico se utilizan los criterios del DSM-5. El consumo excesivo de alcohol de forma aguda puede causar un cuadro de intoxicación aguda, así como el cese abrupto de este puede producir un síndrome de abstinencia; ambos casos requieren de un manejo oportuno, para evitar complicaciones. En el manejo integral del adulto mayor, el uso de farmacoterapia efectiva que incluyen medidas farmacológicas y no farmacológicas es de suma importancia para el abordaje de los distintos espectros del abuso del alcohol. Los desórdenes del consumo del alcohol, tienen múltiples consecuencias orgánicas y psicosociales a corto y largo plazo, es por esto que el manejo adecuado y oportuno puede ayudar a prevenirlas o a manejarlas.