AS VIVÊNCIAS DE ADOLESCENTES E JOVENS COM O CRACK E SUAS RELAÇÕES COM AS POLÍTICAS SOCIAIS PROTETORAS NESTE CONTEXTO

Abstract

Historic changes in Western societies have led to an increase in the use of psychoactive substances, mainly among young people. Access to drugs has been facilitated by the development of the chemical industry, which has allowed the production of heroin, cocaine, morphine, ecstasy, crack and others capable of generating strong dependence. Progress in the transnational industrialization and sale of drugs has made the improper use of drugs a public health problem. Crack is a drug that has a rapid effect, produces intense disturbances and various forms of harm to its users, their family and communities, including loss of life. This study of youth involved with crack aims to contribute to a better understanding about this drug based on the experience of users, and to support prevention and treatment actions. The study found that crack has had an historic importance because it has called the attention of civil society and the State to the issue of drug use, given that chemical dependence does not begin with crack, but with other drugs that are much more highly consumed, such as alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. The study offers considerations about chemical dependency to crack, the related use of other drugs, relations of users with schools, family, friends, religion, leisure, involvement in situations of risk and the presence of social policies in the living experiences of students and users interviewed