THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS AMONG PARENTS AND EDUCATORS REGARDING DRUGS – AN ESSENTIAL FACTOR IN THE RECOVERY OF ADOLESCENTS WITH ADDICTION

Source abstract

Summary. The aim of this paper is to present several aspects regarding dialogues with youth about drugs, as well as the degree of awareness among parents and educators regarding the locations frequented by children during their leisure time, including sites of illicit drug use. Materials and Methods. This quantitative study was conducted in 2024 involving 809 participants (82.49% female and 17.51% male) from various localities in Romania (69.65% urban and 30.35% rural areas), with an average age of 42.25 years. Participation was voluntary, adhering to ethical norms of scientific research. An omnibus questionnaire consisting of 26 items was employed, from which items addressing discussions on illicit drugs by parents and teachers, locations of drug use, and monitoring of children's leisure time were specifically selected for analysis. Statistical processing of results was conducted. Results and Discussions. Among participants, 10.89% reported never discussing drugs with their children or students, 11.15% occasionally discussed, and 34.89% discussed frequently, with mothers and female teachers addressing this topic more frequently than their male counterparts. Regarding locations of adolescent drug use, 50.19% indicated clubs as primary venues, 22.18% pointed to music festivals, 18.55% mentioned friends' homes, 2.59% identified schools, and 1.56% were unaware of the locations. Furthermore, 1.82% of respondents did not know where their children spent leisure time, 14.92% knew occasionally, and 50.71% claimed always to be informed about their children's whereabouts. Conclusions. Adolescents face challenges and transformations that necessitate attention and understanding from adults. Genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors interact to shape adolescent experiences, and adequate support can enhance resilience and adaptive capabilities.