Controlled Drugs, Use, Abuse and Youth: A Meaningful, Yet Evolving Relationship

Abstract

AbstractPsychoactive substances take a functional role in the management of emotional and social life of humankind. However, the bond between mind-altering substances and their users or potential users is of changing nature, since the diversity and the accessibility of these substances, as well as the perception of expected benefits and related risks are constantly evolving. Science and technology have contributed to develop new or more potent drugs. The legal status of drugs has become blurrier with the emergence of new synthetic psychoactive substances, highly accessible and most attractive, especially to younger users. New information and communication technologies have changed the way information is spreading among us as well as the means and channels to procure various controlled and non-controlled substances. The increasing popularity and varieties of hemp and psychoactive cannabis products, their developing medicinal use and their potential impact on the perception and acceptance of cannabis are equally at stake when it comes to understand changing patterns in cannabis use for instance. More opportunities stand for more choices to make, especially by young people. Knowing that regular drug use bear highest risks, notably in terms of cognitive and psychosocial developments in children and adolescents, it is sound to question its impact on public health and challenges in terms of prevention, demand and harm reduction. This paper reflects the attempt to describe and to analyse evolutions in drug supply, drug demand and drug use as well as other behaviors with addictive potential in youngsters over the last two decades in Luxembourg and to address national specificities, trends and challenges in terms of response and to place the national situation in a wider international context.