Consumo de drogas en una población joven de una comuna rural: magnitud y características del problema

Abstract

A descriptive study was done with the purpose of knowing the magnitude of drug consumption among adolescents of Coinco. A questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was given, simultaneously to 587 youngsters. Analyzing the results, the great majority of adolescents was 13 to 18 years of age and studying was their principal activity. 4,8% of the group declared having used drugs, mainly tranquilizers and marijuana. In general, age at first contact with drugs was before 18 years of age and in more than half the consumers, consumption has been mantained with some frequency, being predominantly an individual use. The first experience was by own decision, influenced by friends or under doctor’s prescription. Symptoms of psychological or physical dependence was found in 25% of consumers. Finally, the authors suspect that part of the information was hidden, being the adolescents afraid of punishment, thus decreasing the real magnitude of the problem.