Citation

Alte-Teigeler A, Schmidt B, Hurrelmann K. Gesundheitswesen 1997; 59(11): 640-648.

Vernacular Title

Defizite in der Versorgung drogengefahrdeter Jugendlicher--Ergebnisse einer

Affiliation

Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Universität Bielefeld.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9476425

Abstract

Consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs is a widespread phenomenon in Germany. The first contact with drugs usually takes place during adolescence. Experimental use of drugs is an integral part of personal development during adolescence. The aim of this paper is to analyse the supporting infrastucture available to adolescents who are at risk of substance abuse, with special focus on its structural deficits. In addition to epidemiological data for alcohol and illegal drugs, the professional support system is described. The support system for adolescents who have already begun with experimental usage with drugs is analysed on the basis of three interview studies: 1) professionals from support and care institutions, 2) adolescents with health hazardous drug consumption patterns, and 3) those who seek the services of health care institutions. The results show that the existing treatment does not meet the needs and demands of adolescents in most cases, because the professional support institutions cannot cope with the real context of adolescent drug abuse. Recommendations for improvements of the support institutions are finally discussed.

Language: de