From energy drinks to drugs. New challenges of preventive policy

Abstract

The article presents the results of empirical research carried out among the youth of the SubCarpathian Voivodeship. The main goal of the measurement was to estimate the scale of using psychoactive substances in this group and to determine factors conducive to drug initiation. Over 2,500 pupils from 27 secondary schools in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship of Poland were surveyed. Respondents were chosen via stratified random sampling, and data was collected using a questionnaire. After the survey, 2,273 questionnaires were qualified as correctly completed and fit for statistical analysis. Consumption of energy drinks was indicated by 63% of respondents, alcohol – 65%, smoking – 23%, and drug use – 31%. During the statistical analysis of the collected material, relationships between the consumption of energy drinks and smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use was identified. The obtained results correspond with the assumptions of Denise Kandel's Gateway theory, but it should be noted that the authors of this concept have not studied the relationships between using energy drinks and reaching for drugs, so it is a pioneering research on such a large sample. Further research is needed to determine the impact of consuming energy drinks on reaching for drugs. It is also important to introduce appropriate preventive measures for both young people and parents who allow uncontrolled consumption of such beverages.