Vivências dos adolescentes acerca das substâncias psicoativas e sua interface com género, políticas e media

Background: Psychoactive substance use among adolescents can result in harm linked to sociocultural conditions.Objective: To understand adolescents’ experiences of the sociocultural determinants of psychoactive substance use.Methodology: Mixed-methods study conducted with adolescents from Divinopolis, Minas Gerais. In the quantitative axis (n = 303), the modules on the use of alcohol and illicit drugs from the National School Health Survey were applied. The qualitative axis (n = 18) was predominant and followed the quantitative axis. A descriptive analysis of the associated factors was performed for the quantitative variables. In the qualitative axis, the participants’ narratives were analyzed based on social determination.Results: Adolescents who drink alcohol intend to continue working and studying after finishing school and to have friends who also drink alcohol. As for gender, consumption among women is not socially accepted. Public policies and the media do not reach adolescents when it comes to psychoactive substances.Conclusion: Adolescents reproduced the discourse of their social group, demonstrating the ethical and moral precepts of their community.