CONCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR INVOLVEMENT WITH PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES FROM ONE PUBLIC SCHOOL IN RIBEIRAO PRETO, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Abstract

This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the participation of students from an elementary public school with psychoactive substances. This is a qualitative research with 19 students from the seventh grade of an elementary school at Ribeirão Preto, whose data collection was performed by focus group. The thematic content analysis idenfied 3 categories: Venue of drugs, consequences arising from the consumption and trade of drugs. Results indicate that adolescents have availability of psychoactive substances in the community, easy access, lack of family supervision and family involvement in consumption and drugs trafficking. Findings indicated as possible protective factor, the proximity with the negative consequences of consumption and drugs trafficking. The study identified the knowledge of adolescents on the topic, being a way of reflection on attitudes to drug supply and was also a space for free expression, and support the strengthening of support, demonstrating the potential of this procedure as a way of promoting prevention of drug use and abuse.