Principales factores de riesgo asociados al consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en adolescentes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Currently, the use of psychoactive substances, especially among young people, is considered a public health problem worldwide. It is estimated that about 7.6% of adolescents smoke, and more than a quarter 26.5% of adolescents drink alcohol, with an average age between 15-19 years, which mainly affects their physical, mental, academic and social well-being. OBJECTIVE: To describe the main risk factors associated with the consumption of psychoactive substances in adolescents, by searching for relevant scientific articles published in the last five years for the control and prevention of health risks in this vulnerable group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study that consisted of a documentary review in scientific databases such as: PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, SCIELO, ELSEVIER, in Q1 and Q2 published in the last five years. In addition, WHO guidelines and the protocol "Comprehensive care of harmful use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs" were used. 2016 of the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador. CONCLUSION: The consumption of illegal substances by adolescents is of concern because it sometimes develops from 12 years of age, but 60% (mainly men) start drinking for the first time after 15 years of age and 40% of women start drinking between 16-18 years of age. Twenty-five percent represent the risk of smoking, while 15% use marijuana, inhalants, among other drugs.