Drugs and alcohol use and their relationship to violence: the perspective of adolescents in street situation

Abstract

This article is the result of a study about violence carried out with adolescents in street situation. The research was designed considering a qualitative approach and its data collection techniques were non-directive interviews and focal groups. Adolescents, from both sexes, aged 12 to 18, participated on the study. Data was analysed through content analysis. Main results point out that adolescents attributed a strong link between alcohol and violence presence in violent events. Moreover, alcohol and drugs were pointed out as the main factors that generate conflicts in the family, also responsible for violence in intra-family relationships to a great extent. Vulnerability concerning drug and alcohol use and the violent events in this social group was identified, mainly regarding the family context.