Levels and patterns of substance use among school-attending adolescents in Rosario (Santa Fe - Argentina) during 2016, 2018 and 2019

Objectives: Psychoactive substance (PSs) use is a public health problem that affects society in general and particularly adolescents. Therefore, knowing adolescents’ levels and patterns of PSs use is essential for developing public health policies. Methods: During 2016, 2018, and 2019, a total of 1121 students (from Rosario-Argentina) were surveyed to evaluate their levels and patterns of use of alcohol, energy drinks, tobacco, and marijuana, among others. Results: The results showed a decrease in the age of onset as well as in the risk perception of PS use, especially in 2018 and 2019. The reported reason for first use over the three years was “curiosity”, followed by “feeling good”. Moreover, the most consumed PSs (in order of preference) were alcohol, followed by energy drinks, tobacco, and marijuana. It was also found that more women reported consuming alcohol compared to men. Conclusions: Interestingly, in terms of age at first use, it was found that adolescents tried energy drinks first, followed by alcohol, tobacco, and then marijuana. The decrease in the age of onset and the risk perception of the use of a PS and the pattern of use reported by adolescent students suggests the need to implement age-specific public prevention policies.