The use of psychoactive substances: a discussion about the school's action in the fight for prevention

Abstract

The use of drugs in Brazil among adolescents is treated as a major social problem, and thus it is indisputable to seek preventive interventions, avoiding, mainly, the first contact. Since school is very important in this context, this research has as general objective to analyze how has been its action in the approach of licit and illicit drugs in the context of prevention. The research was carried out in 7 schools that have the 8th year of elementary education II of the Municipal Public School of Itapetinga-BA. The present study is an exploratory research of a quantitative nature. Data were collected by applying a structured questionnaire in all classes (25), with a sample of 667 students and 34 teachers. Because it is a school, the data analysis sought to establish a relationship between drug use and discussions on the subject in its context. The results showed that 75% of the students say they know or live with a drug user between the ages of 12 and 18. 91% believe it is important for schools to develop activities related to drug prevention. Of the students who feel prepared to say no, when they receive some offer of psychoactive substances, 85% have already participated in prevention actions carried out in the school environment. 75% of teachers reported developing this type of activity, even without the initiative of school management. It is hoped that the present study could serve as a pragmatic framework to optimize the effectiveness of public investments involving the drugs issue in schools.