Abstract
Drug use is a behaviour frequently seen among adolescents. The World Drug Report draws attention to the increase in this phenomenon. The studies were undertaken to look for determinants that promote drug use and those that protect against reckless activities. It seems important to determine the causes of drug initiation. The presented study aimed to identify the determinants favouring first contact with drugs among adolescents. Eighteen respondents participated in the study. Purposive sampling was used and data were collected using categorized interviews. The exploratory nature of the interviews focused on obtaining information on three areas: family life, peer influences and the role of mass culture products. Education, financial background, and inquiries about life plans, dreams, and their realization were also recorded. The analysis of empirical data made it possible to establish interesting factors conducive to the respondents’ first contact with drugs both in the family environment, peer environment, but also related to popular culture, lifestyle, the influence of significant others, as well as to the dangers of the Internet. Established causes of drug initiations are indicated. The obtained results can be used in designing preventive interventions among adolescents. They can also be the basis for planning further studies with this group.
Highlights
Drug use has been under observation for several decades, and researchers across various disciplines are investigating the reasons for its use
In addition to questions related to drug use, the study focused on obtaining information on three areas: family life, peer influences, and the role of mass culture products and the respondents’ decision to use drugs
The data collected during the interviews corresponds with the conclusions drawn by J. Brook and her team in the family interaction theory that marijuana use may imply reaching for more potent psychoactive substances (Brook et al, 1990)
Summary
Drug use has been under observation for several decades, and researchers across various disciplines are investigating the reasons for its use. Authors of social studies note the growing indications of narcotic use globally and the increase in problems caused by their use. Drug use, and in particular, the sources of such behaviour, have attracted interest for many decades. In the late 1930s, Robert Merton believed that the social structure that defines cultural goals and provides institutionalized means to achieve those goals plays a fundamental role in engaging in this behaviour. Drug users are individuals who have rejected proposed or imposed cultural goals and the means to achieve those goals. According to Hirschi, individuals who engage in delinquent acts (such as drug users) are deprived of the ties that bind them to conformist society (Hirschi, 1969)
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