Understanding Adolescent Drug Use in Rural Lithuania: A Case Study on Prevalence and Motivations

• In Event: Drugs, traveling, young people, families and gender

Abstract

The issue of psychoactive substance use among adolescents has become a growing concern in Lithuania, particularly in school settings. However, comprehensive research on the prevalence, social context, and motivations behind adolescent drug use in rural areas remains limited. Despite strict legal penalties for drug use and distribution, survey data indicate that adolescent drug use rates have remained stable over the past decades, with new challenges emerging, such as the use of novel psychoactive substances that are harder to detect.

This study presents findings from a large-scale quantitative survey conducted in schools across a rural Lithuanian region. It examines the prevalence, consumption patterns, and underlying reasons for substance use among students. The research also considers the broader social environment, including family, school, and community influences, to provide a more nuanced understanding of the phenomenon. Additionally, it critically evaluates existing responses to adolescent drug use, highlighting the potential harms of overly punitive approaches.

The study offers evidence-based conclusions and policy recommendations tailored to rural communities by analysing survey data. The findings contribute to broader debates on drug prevention strategies, advocating for approaches that prioritize understanding adolescent experiences and addressing underlying social factors rather than relying solely on deterrence-based measures.

Author

• Mindaugas Lankauskas, Vilnius University