Association between family dynamics and use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by adolescents

Objectives: to analyze, in the light of systemic thinking, the association between family dynamics and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by adolescents throughout life. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in nine public schools in the city of Recife. Three hundred and sixty-four adolescents aged 14 to 19 years participated. We used three questionnaires: The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test, a reduced version of the Drug Use Screening Inventory; and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: there was an association between parents/guardians ignoring what the child considers meaningful to him and the consumption of alcohol and tobacco by adolescents; we also verified an association between the occurrence of conflicting relationships and the consumption of illicit drugs by adolescents. Conclusions: it confirmed that disorganization in the family system, marked by impairments in emotional connections among members, and fragility in the sense of belonging are associated with the consumption of drugs in life by adolescents.