| Abstract [eng] |
The aim of this study was to explore young adults’ experiences with the use of psychostimulant substances to enhance work performance and/or psychological state. The study sought to answer two main questions: what motivates young adults to use psychostimulants, and how do they perceive the effects of such use. A qualitative methodology was employed, and the data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2019). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight participants (four women and four men), all of whom had used psychostimulant medications without a medical prescription or illegal narcotic substances in order to improve their work performance and/or psychological state. Most participants (6) had been formally diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and one believed they had the condition. The analysis revealed five main themes: the impact of psychological state on substance use, the use of psychostimulants as a strategy for enhancing productivity and creative performance, the influence of social environment on the decision to use, justification, idealization and normalization of use, and the illusion of control. The findings provide deeper insights into the motivations behind psychostimulant use, the internal conflicts associated with it, the potential consequences of such behavior, as well as the possibilities and directions for prevention. |
