Prevailing study of alcohol, tobacco and psychoactive drugs consumption of adolescents from state and private high schools of district 14, in Nov, 2005

Abstract

Objective: To carry out a general analysis of the substances consumption.

Material and method: Simple descriptive study based on observation. Anonymous survey performed in a population of 900 students (500 priv schools, 370 state schools).

Results: 65% of priv school students and 47% of state school ones take alcohol. Average starting age of alcohol consumption: Private schools 14, 5 age, State schools 13, 94 age. 11% of state schools pupils take alcohol + drugs in contrast to a 3% in priv schools. Average starting age of tobacco consumption:Private schools 13, 62 age, State schools 13, 22 age. Average starting age of drug consumption: State schools 14, 64 age, Priv schools 15, 21 age. 4% of private school students and 11% of state schools students consume drugs (8% at weekends). Conclusions: • Priv pupils take an 18% more of alcohol than state schools ones. • 9 out of 10 priv school pupils and 7 out of 10 state school ones have drunk alcohol at least once in life. • Men drink 5% more alcohol and take twice the amount of drugs than women do. • Beer is the most consumed drink. • 7 out of 10 state school pupils have driven drunk, and 3 have suffered accidents. • 4 out of 10 state school students have got into a vehicle driven by a drunk person and 3 have suffered accidents. • 5 out of 10 pupils have smoked at least once in life. • Women smoke more than men. 6.9% of the pupils consume drugs. • 2 every 10 state school pupils have used drugs at least once in life. • State school pupils consume 3 times more drugs than students from private schools. • Men consume more drugs than women do. • Main consumed substance: marihuana. • LSD, pills, extasis and hallucinogens+stimulants are used in priv schools. • PACO,toluene +marihuana, and “the cheapest” are used in state schools.