Adolescents' discourse on the consumption of psychoactive substances in schools.

OBJECTIVES

to understand the perception of adolescents in public schools regarding the use of psychoactive substances.

METHODS

a qualitative exploratory study, carried out at a public school with 14 adolescents. Data were collected through a self-administered sociodemographic questionnaire and focus group, in which a semi-structured script of questions was used, organized according to the Discourse of the Collective Subject.

RESULTS

adolescents' perceptions about the use of psychoactive substances revealed judgments, doubts and knowledge gaps. Participants' daily lives were marked by greater acceptance, easy access and consumption of legal chemical substances in the territory, including in school environments.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: it is necessary to enhance school environments with participatory, horizontal and intersectoral actions for prevention and health promotion that include students, families and the school, aiming at reflection on drug use and lifestyles, and the redefinition of concepts and perceptions.