Drug trends in different age groups

Abstract

The relationship between drug trends and age is complex and well-established, especially the belief that there is a progression when it comes to drugs and the fact that teenagers tend to start abusing cheaper drugs. This research seeks to comprehensively examine drug use initiation, specifically, focusing on the factors driving drug misuse, as well as the underlying catalysts prompting individuals to embark on the path of drug consumption. The examination of these factors is a central focus, marked by meticulous consideration. To conduct this study, a qualitative approach was employed, which involved conducting interviews with professionals specialized in drug abuse and current/former drug users to gain holistic insights. The insights gleaned from these interviews played a pivotal role in elucidating the correlation between drug trends across varying age cohorts. A significant focus was placed on discerning the factors underpinning this usage, a critical pursuit given the dearth of local research in contrast to international studies on the subject. The findings derived from the interviews distinctly reveal the presence of the gateway drug phenomenon within the context of Malta, where softer drug abuse often progresses to harder substances due to tolerance and curiosity. Furthermore, the study revealed that synthetic drug consumption is also on the rise, posing challenges in testing. The interviews unearthed several key factors contributing to drug misuse initiation, notably childhood experiences, peer pressure, adverse events, and family dynamics which illustrate its multifaceted nature. The study's outcomes underscore the potential for implementing measures and diverse strategies aimed at curtailing drug use initiation and progression, contributing to more controlled patterns.