[Main reasons for non-use of illicit drugs by young population exposed to risk situations].
OBJECTIVE
Although there are many studies on risk factors for drug use, little has been known about the reasons that prevent people away from drug use. The aim of this study was to identify the reasons that would prevent low-income youngsters against psychotropic drug experimentation and use, even when living in a drug dealing environment.


METHODS
A qualitative study was carried out in an intentional sample selected according to a set of criteria. Sixty-two youngsters, aged between 16 and 24 years, from low-income families who have never used psychotropic drugs (32 subjects) or who were heavy drug users (30 subjects) were interviewed. Each interview lasted on average 110 minutes.


RESULTS
Among non-users, access to information and a protective family structure were identified as major reasons from preventing youngster from drug use. Comprehensive information on the outcomes of drug use and affective bonds between parents and their children, assured by feelings of support and respect, seems to be important in helping them avoid drug use. The importance of these two factors as reasons to keep youngsters away from drugs is emphasized when their lack is mentioned and censured by drug users.


CONCLUSIONS
The outlook of those who have never used drugs in their lifetime and their reasons should be considered in the development of drug prevention programs targeting low-income youngsters.
Sanchez
Zila van der Meer
Zv
Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. zilams@terra.com.br
de Oliveira
Lúcio Garcia
LG
Nappo
Solange Aparecida
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D011203:Poverty; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012931:Social Environment; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs