Factors affecting illicit and licit drug use among adolescents and young adults in Greece

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey on psychosocial issues, drug use, alcohol and health was carried out in Greece, with a nationwide probability sample of 2448 respondents aged 12–17 and 18–24. Factors potentially associated with illicit and unprescribed licit drug use were tested by logistic regression analysis. Several predictors were revealed. Sex and age were related to a higher lifetime use of illicit drugs, the male young adults reported a higher lifetime use of illicit drugs than the females. Positive attitudes toward hashish use, systematic smoking and use of drugs by close friends were more closely related to illicit than to unprescribed licit drug use. In addition “low self-esteem, family members using tobacco and alcohol” and “problematic drinking” were found only to predict illicit drug use. Other variables, “family members using drugs with or without a doctor's prescription”, “being dissatisfied with social life” and “suffering from anxiety, depression and depersonalization symptoms” were found to be significantly associated with licit but unprescribed drug use.