Rodríguez PLA, Sit PR, Puentes VD, Rosales DO

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 644-656
PDF size: 517.41 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The consumption of psychoactive substances is considered a serious problem because of its negative impact on health, economy, and family and social coexistence. Objective: To identify the behavioral characteristics related to the consumption of psychoactive substances in patients of "Plaza de la Revolución" Municipality. Material and methods: A descriptive crosssectional investigation was conducted in 71 patients who live in the municipality, and were reported by compulsory disease declaration cards presenting disorders related to the consumption of psychoactive substances during the 2013-2015 period. A survey and a semistructured interview were both applied, with a previous informed consent given by the patients. Results: the 87 % of the inquired people were male, most of them aged 20 - 29 years. Most women were adolescents, including an underage who was only 13 years old. The aspect of great importance was the diagnosis of multiple substance abuse, being Marijuana, alcohol, and medications the most used ones. The cases of acute intoxication were mainly caused by psychopharmaceutical drugs. Monoconsumers younger than 21 years of age preferred the synthetic cannabinoids, and the older ones preferred the crack. There was a high prevalence of smoking in patients with increased cigarette consumption when they were drinking alcohol. The inquired people had a little risk perception of using Marijuana. The greatest number of reports was carried out by the Department of Mental Health of the municipality. Conclusions: Some strategies were developed by the mental health team, considering the consumption of multiple substances headed by Marijuana, as well as the use of new synthetic drugs which were mainly consumed by adolescents and young adults.