| Abstract [eng] |
Illicit Drug Use Among Young Adults: Nightlife Experience The data of the research suggests that the use of illicit substances is most widespread in places of entertainment among the young adults. Even though plenty of quantitative research regarding this topic is carried out, there is a lack of qualitative research that reveals the subjective experiences of the youth. Due to the fact that most of the time the use of drugs is attributed to addiction, lack of social skills and is stigmatised, it is very important to learn about the experiences of persons, who do not match such profile of drugs’ user, as well as to understand why are drugs so popular at the places of nightlife and what methods of providing help to this group are the most effective. The aim of work – to uncover the reasons why do nightlife visitors use illicit substances, to learn about their experiences and attitude towards the use of drugs, as well as their attitude towards the measures of the policy regarding drugs. Methods. A qualitative research was chosen in order to achieve the aim of the research. An individual, half-structured interview, created specifically for the purpose of this research was used to collect the data. The investigation took place from January to February of 2020, a total of 12 young people, who visit nightlife settings and take illicit substances at least once a year, participated in the research. The age of the participants ranged from 20 to 29 years old. The data of the research was transcribed and then coded using the MAXQDA 2020 programme. Results. For the first time, illicit substances are usually taken due to peer pressure or out of curiosity. Unfavourable conditions in the family, poorer psychological well-being, and inability to deal with life issues also stand out. Drug abuse does not reflect in the habits of use, however, the habits of cannabis use and a more favourable attitude towards marijuana use stand out. In general, the use of substances does not have any serious consequences for the welfare of the user, mostly only short-term unpleasant experiences after consumption are felt, and in some cases, there might be harmful effects due to irresponsible consumption. Lack reliable, science-based information regarding the use of substances and the applied measures of the drug policy are ineffective and even harmful. |
