[Abuse of licit and illicit psychoactive substances in children and teenagers in the PACA Region (Southeastern France)].
BACKGROUND
The abuse of licit and illicit psychoactive substances in children and teenagers represents a public health problem.


METHODS
The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of this phenomenon and its growth in the PACA (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) region (Southeastern France). The cases identified during the 10-year period 1992-2002 by the CEIP (Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance) were studied retrospectively.


RESULTS
One hundred and ninety-one cases were identified. In most instances, abuse involved a first experience or was sporadic. The users were often boys (70%). The substances were solvents (48.7%) used collectively (33%) during recreational activities (74%). Illicit drugs accounted for 28.2% of the cases involving a first experience (89%), with polyconsumption accounting for 50%, cannabis 57.6%, ecstasy 25.9%, and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) 12.1% of cases. Medicines were also used (16%), the most frequent being benzodiazepines (51.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
The study confirms the abuse of licit and illicit psychoactive substances in children and teenagers and provides information regarding the substances available in this region of France.
Arditti
Jocelyne
J
Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance, Centre Antipoison, Hôpital Salvator, Marseille, France. jocelyne.arditti@ap-hm.fr
Spadari
Michel
M
Camprasse
Marie-Alice
MA
Dalecky
Corinne
C
Bourdon
Jean-Hubert
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs