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Initiation into drug abuse

The pathway from being offered drugs to trying cannabis and progression to intravenous drug abuse

Marlene Stenbacka, Karolinska Institute, Department of Social Medicine, Kronan Health Centre, S-17283 Sundbyberg, Sweden., Address for offprints: Marlene Stenbacka Karolinska Institute Dept of Social Medicine Kronan Health Centre S-172 83 Sundbyberg Sweden

Peter Allebeck

Peter Allebeck, Department of Community Medicine, Huddinge University Hospital, S-14186 Huddinge, Sweden

Anders Romelsjö

Anders Romelsjö, Karolinska Institute, Department of Social Medicine, Kronan Health Centre, S-17283 Sundbyberg, Sweden.

The aim of the study was to analyse the initiation process into illicit drug use focusing on three endpoints which can be seen as stages in the drug career: being offered drugs, using cannabis and using intravenous drugs. Questionnaire data were available on 23482 men, aged 18–20 years, conscripted for military service in 1969–70. The association between family background, social conditions, other licit drug use, emotional control and the three endpoints were analysed. Although many conscripts tried cannabis, a smaller number continued with intravenous drug abuse. These were in general characterised by poor emotional control and a history of social maladjustment, and early onset of use. Our findings give further evidence for social maladjustment as a causative factor for illicit drug use and for the role of cannabis as a stepping stone to heavy drug abuse.

Key Words: Substance abuse • epidemiology • drug carrier • risk factors • psychology • social medicine

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 21, No. 1, 31-39 (1993)
DOI: 10.1177/140349489302100106


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