Psychoactive Substance Use among Young People

Findings of a Multi-Center Study in Three African Countries

Bibliographic Data

ID11057275
AuthorsMwansa A Nkowane, Mwansa Nkowane (corresponding author), Lee Rocha-Silva, Shekhar Saxena (0000-0001-9385-0212), Joseph Mbatia, Phillimon Ndubani (0000-0003-2167-5472), Gina Weir-Smith (0000-0003-1152-294X)
Year2004
Volume31
Issue2
Pages329-356
Publication date2004-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueContemporary Drug Problems (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-4509 • E-ISSN: 2163-1808
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/009145090403100207
OpenAlexW322682546
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited6

This paper presents the findings of baseline assessments on psychoactive substance use that were conducted in selected sites in South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia between December 2000 and September 2001. The assessments focused on the status of substance use and prevention resources. They showed that a wide range of substances were used—especially alcohol, tobacco and painkillers—and included substances taken by injection. Usage was particularly widespread in settings where trade in substances offered a means of survival. Institutional resources for prevention of substance use were limited. The social circles within which young people lived set an example and directly encouraged substance use, particularly the use of alcohol, tobacco, and, to a lesser extent, cannabis. These findings suggest the need for policy and programs that give balanced weight to demand and supply reduction, target young people, improve young people's living conditions, and ensure youths' participation in prevention activities

Cannabis · Environmental health · Psychiatry · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Substance use · Tanzania · Community Health and Development · Homelessness and Social Issues · Medicine · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Psychology · Gerontology

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub