Drug Use Control Perception and Strategies in General and Clinical Population in a Spanish City

Abstract

Background: This article evaluates the perception of drug use control and strategies in Valencia City (Spain) in a general and clinical population, in two independent studies. Material and Methods: 1071 people participated. In Study 1 (n = 924) the entire sample came from the general population (GP), and in Study 2 (n = 147), 68 were drug users being treated in an Addictive Behavior Unit (ABU), and 79 people of the GP. The drug use control perception and strategies in both subgroups were compared. The participants filled in the Drug Use Strategies Scale and a Drug Use Survey. Results: A high level of perception of drug control in the GP was obtained (72.7% in Study 1 and 67.5% in Study 2), and 32.5% in the ABU subgroup. People in the GP and drug users in treatment differ in some control strategies. A predictive profile of the perception of control was obtained for Study 2. Conclusion: The high degree of perception of controlling drug use in the GP, and partially in drug users being treated, and the specific control strategies reported suggests that moderate use and drug control strategies are a great value alternative to bear in mind compared to abstinence.

Uses of psychotropic drugs by university students in Switzerland

“…This difference may be due to various factors, such as a lack of knowledge about these drugs and their medical follow-up by the non-users, but also to a more or less conscious minimization of the negative effects by the users, who preferred to keep only the positive effects of these medications, perhaps in order to be able to continue their treatment, whether prescribed by a doctor or not. Our findings can be linked to a study showing that strategies for controlling one’s own drug use, and perceptions of such strategies, can vary widely between users and non-users [ 33 ]. We can also cite another study showing that the general population tends to overestimate the prevalence of substance use and underestimate the chances of stopping it [ 34 ].…”