Patterns of Psychoactives Substances Use among Atikamekw Youth
This article presents the quantitative results of a study on psychoactive substance (PAS) use patterns conducted in 2007–2008 among teenagers in two Atikamekw communities. The study was carried out in secondary schools; the data was collected from 172 respondents who agreed to fill out the DEP-ADO, a drug- and alcohol-use screening test for teens. The results indicate high rates of alcohol and/or drug use, which begins early in life and which can be considered problematic for many of these youths. Several of them report serious negative consequences related to their PAS use. Although the results show that, statistically, there are few gender related differences, more young girls binge drink and experience more negative consequences regarding their physical and psychological health. Finally, our results indicate that very few youths seek professional help for their PAS use problem. This study highlights the importance of prevention and screening in youth addiction programs.