Abstract

Adolescence and drugs: some thoughts to those providing care to adolescents and their family. Vínculo [online]. 2006, vol.3, n.3, pp. 56-64. ISSN 1806-2490.

Studies have shown increased drug use among young people. While such realization has ensued healthy social awareness on the issue, it has originated several times alarming or even apocalyptic campaigns. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the complexity of interrelationship between adolescence and drug addiction. Based on the concept that drug is not a pathogenic agent capable of affecting everyone, it is intended to bring those who seek and use drugs and lose control over drug use into focus. Viewing drug addiction as a post-modern symptom, it is explored how the way adolescents respond to the current growth demand placed on them, is strongly determined by social injunctions. It is also discussed how drugs can play a role in their experiences during this period of their life, especially in those experiences associated with parent’s separation and career choices. As a conclusion, some thoughts are proposed on the ideal of a pain-free society as a means of opening up new ways of addressing the close link between adolescence and drug use in our time.

Keywords : Adolescence; Drug addiction; Psychoanalysis; Post-modern.