Original scientific paper
INDICATORS OF EARLY RECOGNITION AMONG CROATIAN YOUTH AT HIGH RISK OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Slavko SAKOMAN
Andreja BRAJŠA-ŽGANEC
Renata GLAVAK
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
19689
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2002.
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