Approaching the world of young drug users

a qualitative study in Nicaragua

Abstract

This study aims to approach the world of young addicts in a Western city of Nicaragua to explore and better understand their reality. This a qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study, using a detailed interview technique, anonymous and voluntary directed toward young drug users. It was found that only illegal drugs are considered as drugs and that curiosity and easy access are factors facilitating the use; drug use is something natural in the context of their lives, the drug offers the possibility of transgressing social norms; drug combinations occur for economic reasons and the need to search for new sensations; the user acknowledges the problems that develop in the family and the community as a result of the presence of drugs with emphasis on the violence, personal powerlessness and conventional helplessness were identified as factors present at the idea of quitting.