Drugs use by adolescents and their perceptions about specialized treatment adherence and dropout

Abstract

Drugs use in adolescence is an important issue to be discussed, due to the early damage it causes. This study investigated adolescent drugs use, ranging from the first trial to perceptions about treatment adherence. Based on qualitative research, the researchers aimed to understand the problem from the subjects’ viewpoint. Data were analyzed through thematic categorization. Fourteen teenagers were interviewed: mostly males, 14 to 19 years old and low education. Marijuana was the most used drug upon the first trial. Friends, free time and "parties" favored drugs use. Teenagers also used drugs to escape from conflicts and feelings. Different intrinsic and extrinsic factors were reported as favorable to treatment adherence and dropout. The findings can contribute to establish therapeutic intervention proposals for adolescent drug users.

Motivações de dependentes químicos para o tratamento: percepção de familiares

“…It is emphasized that the role of the family becomes a predictive factor for behavioral change and adherence to treatment by the drug addict in order to favor him/her. This is because the active participation of family provides opportunities to perceive the difficulties faced by the addict in the rehabilitation process, favoring the family insertion in the therapeutic project of the subject (9)(10) .…”

Strategies of care for adolescent users of crack undergoing treatment

“…Researchers point out that bonding between the adolescent and the team is one of the main factors in adherence to treatment, favoring commitment to therapeutic activities and changes in behavior regarding drug use. (14) In caring for adolescent crack users, bonding develops respect for choices, encourages participation in treatment, and moments of listening without prejudice and judgment so that adolescents perceive, in the service, a place of inclusion and acceptance of their needs beyond drug use. Many adolescent drug users face taboos and prejudices until they come to health services for help, so it is important for staff to adopt a cordial, understanding attitude to build trust.…”

Construção e validação da Escala de Identificação de Sintomas Psicopatológicos em Escolares (EISPE)

“…Isso pode ter ocorrido, pois o uso precoce de substâncias pode ser uma variável limitante no desenvolvimento físico e psicossocial saudável nesta fase da vida 32 , trazendo consequências e prejuízos associados, como aparecimento de ansiedade e culpa, problemas de saúde, sanções legais, conflitos familiares e sociais, além de abandono da escola 33,34 .…”

“…Dessa forma, os achados levantados no mapa de Wright confirmaram a validade de construto da escala, uma vez que o ordenamento dos itens como difíceis e fáceis corroborou com dados da literatura, que apontam o uso de drogas como um fator importante no desenvolvimento de outras comorbidades psiquiátricas 33,34 , e o medo de ganhar peso como uma questão social, com menos consequências psicopatológicas 35 .…”