1. Gerardo Flórez Menéndez Lisbon 2017
A sociological study on alcohol and cannabis use among young people in Spain
Gerardo Flórez Menéndez
Lisbon 2017

2. Alcohol and Cannabis consumption: Society and young people

3. An important issue before starting

13. The study: 12 Spanish regions.

14. Methodology: a debate between society and young people (18-25 years of age)

16. Methodology: cualitative study (2017)
Individual recorded debates with summary.
Document elaboration by a “Matrix Team”: Health, Psychology and Social Work workers coordinated by a sociologist.
Review: Consejo General de Trabajo Social, SOCIDROGALCOHOL.
Conclusions and recommendations.

17. Issues - script Definition and approach.
¿Why, when and how do they use alcohol and cannabis?.
Risk perception, drug free youth, multiple drug use, alcohol and cannabis as gateways, consequences, family.
Where and how should we approach young people to prevent alcohol and cannabis use.

18. Conclusions: Alcohol
Alcohol is a terrible drug, but it is our terrible drug.
It is a way to be seen as an adult by peers.
Drink fast and get drunk fast with cheap alcohol.
For desinhibition.
The weekend night use. Only if you drink everyday you have a problem (Smoking cigarettes is even worst).

19. Conclusions: Cannabis
Only in close relationships (be part of a rebel grass ring) or alone when there is a pattern of use.
A buddie not a dealer.
The daily use.
“Cannabis is never a problem” when compared to…..
For relaxation.

20. Other conclusions Future is not an important issue.
Live fast and get rich without working.
Use to be happy.
Other drugs are not socially supported.
Addiction is a bridge too far.
Detached and naive parents.
Good ideas for prevention: family, school, administration. More control and education.

21. The ten commandments Increase the age of first use.
Promote changes in education to build self-steem and social skills.
Create and promote new social and individual roles.
Increase risk perception.
Arrange a clear strategy across different scenarios (family, school, leisure)
Discuss the “ideal future”.
Change the perception that using is normal.
Do not forget the other drugs.
Strenghened the families.
Society and its administration, bridge the gap.

22. Thank you for your kind attention