Skadligt bruk och beroende över tid och ålder

Sammanfattning

In recent years alcohol- and drug use has decreased among youths in Sweden. Despite this fact, there is not a lot of research regarding the cause behind this decrease. This study aims to, through the eyes of professionals, examine causes behind this downward trend of decreased drug and alcohol use and addiction, as well as examining preventive work that is being done with youths between the ages of 13 and 21 in order to examine its effect on the decrease. Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with professionals within schools and social services in towns located in central Sweden. The results of this study show that the opinions of professionals correspond with research in this area, that alcohol use has decreased among youths. One reason behind this is the fact that the view on alcohol has changed among youths and that cannabis and other drugs are not perceived as equally dangerous in comparison with alcohol. Important environments to focus on in the lives of youths are also identified by professionals, where the school environment and home environment have the greatest impact on the youths development. Cooperation between different organizations is considered the most important preventive work today, but is also considered by professionals as an important improvement area as it is needed in order to give youths comprehensive support. Title: Harmful use and addiction over time and age Key words – harmful use and addiction, preventive work, cooperation , alcohol and narcotics, youth