engleski

Indicators of early recognition among Croatian youth at high risk of substance abuse

The aim of the study was to identify psychosocial indicators in micro and macro-milieus that reveal adolescents at high risk of substance abuse. The research using a representative sample was carried out among 2, 823 high school students throughout Croatia. We devised a questionnaire to assess student’ s socio-economic status, family functioning, school functioning, satisfaction with life, and relationships with friends. Students in the group at risk of substance abuse (tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use) differ from the students in the group not at risk. The most important variables that determine these differences are: a) respondents’ attitudes towards their friends and acquaintances who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and use drugs ; b) gender ; and c) truancy. In addition, compared to adolescents that are not at risk, adolescents at risk function worse in a family and school milieu and are less satisfied with their life in general. Smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, and use of drugs are mainly associated with the use of these substances within peer group. Therefore, to reduce the abuse of psychoactive substances, it is necessary to strengthen an individual’ s resistance to the social peer pressure and pay attention to the quality of relationships between adolescents as well as with their parents and teachers.

adolescent drug-use; primary socialization theory; prevention; drugs; drinking; alcohol

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