PsicoUSF
Print version ISSN 1413-8271
Abstract
FONSECA, Marília Saldanha da. Drug acquisition: a study among Brazilian students. PsicoUSF [online]. 2002, vol.7, n.2, pp.153-162. ISSN 1413-8271.
The increase of drug consumption in Brazil is reaching young populations, including students. Epidemiological surveys carried out among basic education Brazilian students had concluded that the majority of students have never had contact with drugs (with the exception of tobacco and alcohol). The way drug users usually act has also been evaluated in order to counteract such behaviours. Accordingly, the objective of the present study is to investigate how drugs users obtain drugs. Results evinced that friends are ranked first followed by drug dealers, pharmacies and family. The study pinpoints the need that schools direct their efforts toward preventive actions to reduce the risk of drug abuse among students through the adoption of measures aimed at providing health education and the enhancement of quality of life. The important role of health psychology in all levels of prevention is acnowledged and discussed.
Keywords : Drug consumption; Epidemiological research; Drug acquisition; Preventive actions and health psychology.