INDICATORS OF EARLY RECOGNITION AMONG CROATIAN YOUTH AT HIGH RISK OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The aim of the study was to identify psychosocial indicators in micro and macro-milieus that reveal adolescents at high risk of substance abuse. The research using a representative sample was carried out among 2 823 high school students throughout Croatia. We devised a questionnaire to assess student's socio-economic status, family functioning, school functioning, satisfaction with life, and relationships with friends. Students in the group at risk of substance abuse (tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use) differ from the students in the group not at risk. The most important variables that determine these differences are: a) respondents' attitudes towards their friends and acquaintances who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and use drugs; b) gender; and c) truancy.