Use of psychoactive substances by adolescents: current panorama

Abstract

Adolescence is a period of vulnerability to substance use disorders (SUDs). Epidemiological studies indicate that about 23% of Brazilian adolescents use drugs, with alcohol being the most widely consumed substance. The etiology of SUDs is complex, influenced by an interaction of genetic risk, individual development, environmental factors, context of use, and substance used. Clinicians should consider diagnostic criteria and be aware of behavioral changes that may indicate drug use and its consequences in various aspects of adolescent life. Identification and treatment of comorbid conditions is critical to the management of SUDs in this age group. Interventions should restrict access to drugs and facilitate prompt recognition of initial use, preventing progression to serious patterns of abuse or dependence. Intervention should be broad, including academic and occupational activities as well as social relationships and leisure, which are critical to the reestablishment of normal adolescent development.

Adverse childhood experiences and consumption of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among adolescents of a Brazilian birth cohort

“…According to the Brazilian National Survey of Student Health (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar -PeNSE), carried out in 2012, 26.1% and 5.1% of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 15 had consumed alcohol or tobacco, respectively, in the 30 days prior to the interview, whilst 7.3% had tried some type of illicit drug at least once in their lives 3 . Substance use in adolescence is associated with substance use in adulthood, and it is a predictor of the future burden of substancerelated diseases 1,4,5 . The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs has been associated with several short-and long-term health problems, such as injuries, unprotected sex, cognitive deficits, mental health problems and premature death, caused mainly by traffic accidents, homicides and suicides 5,6,7,8 .…”

“…Substance use in adolescence is associated with substance use in adulthood, and it is a predictor of the future burden of substancerelated diseases 1,4,5 . The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs has been associated with several short-and long-term health problems, such as injuries, unprotected sex, cognitive deficits, mental health problems and premature death, caused mainly by traffic accidents, homicides and suicides 5,6,7,8 . Furthermore, it is related to social and economic problems for both users and society, like interpersonal violence and higher costs from medical treatment for the family and health system 6,9 .…”

A espiritualidade/religiosidade como fator de proteção contra o uso de substâncias psicoativas na adolescência

“…O custo dos transtornos de uso de substâncias psicoativas envolve aspectos sociais, jurídicos e de saúde 7 . O envolvimento com drogas é um processo individualizado, englobando uso experimental, uso casual e uma intensificação gradual da frequência e intensidade, aumentando o risco de desenvolver transtornos de uso de substâncias psicoativas 8 . Não há fator determinante único, mas observa-se uma interação das características individuais e biopsicossociais 6 .…”

Descripción del intento de suicidio como constructo de violencia en la población pediátrica femenina

“…Es así como el intento de suicidio se caracteriza bajo factores familiares, socioculturales, económicos, sicológicos y educativos, expresando la vulnerabilidad de la población infantil y la vigencia del maltrato dentro del contexto nacional de violencia. Se complementa desde el punto de vista del grado de aceptación corporal femenino, abuso sexual, trastornos psiquiátricos, abuso de sustancias psicoactivas (alcoholismo, drogadicción), uso de nuevas tecnologías y causas de tipo afectivo [1,3]; factores medioambientales como la disponibilidad de drogas, influencias culturales y de compañeros [4]. La caracterización del intento de suicidio identifica factores de riesgo relacionados.…”

“…Este sistema se activa con las relaciones diarias de supervivencia, tales como el deseo sexual y la alimentación, además del uso de sustancias psicoactivas [4].…”