Indicators of Early Recognition among Croatian Youth at High Risk of Substance Abuse

Explores psychosocial indicators in micro- & macromilieus that reveal adolescents at high risk of substance abuse among 2,823 high school students in Croatia. Questionnaire data reveal differences between at-risk vs not-at-risk students in these variables: (1) attitude toward friends & acquaintances who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, & use drugs; (2) gender; & (3) truancy. In addition, compared to adolescents who are not at risk, adolescents at risk function worse in family & school milieus & are less satisfied with their life in general. Smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, & use of drugs are mainly associated with the use of these substances within a peer group. Therefore, to reduce the abuse of psychoactive substances, it is necessary to strengthen an individual's resistance to social peer pressure & pay attention to the quality of relationships between adolescents as well as with their parents & teachers. 2 Tables, 23 References. Adapted from the source document.