Psychiatrist: Child drug use is rising
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to substance use, with experts highlighting that this issue is influenced by a mix of psychological, social, and environmental factors. This stage of life is marked by the quest for identity, experimentation, and a heightened exposure to risks. Effective prevention relies significantly on education, communication, and early intervention.
The number of minors using psychotropic substances is on the rise, according to psychiatrist-narcologist Ana Constantinova, who spoke on the “Zi de Zi” show on Radio Moldova.
"Compared to previous years, the number of minor users is increasing significantly. In my opinion, this increase is evident despite the numerous measures being implemented for prevention, information dissemination, and treatment. These figures highlight the challenges we face and indicate that drug prevention policies must continue to evolve," said Dr. Constantinova.
She identified several primary causes for drug use among minors, including emotional loneliness, parental migration, bullying in schools, digital addiction, and excessive screen time, all of which can lead to addictive behaviors.
The rising number of cases prompts the need for intensified drug use prevention policies targeting young people, emphasizing medical and psychological interventions and collaboration with families and schools to identify the most effective forms of support.
"I want to emphasize the importance of addressing risk factors such as emotional and physical loneliness, especially since many parents are abroad. My advice is to maintain regular contact with your children. Ask them how their day was, how they feel, and what problems they may be facing. These simple questions can help mitigate feelings of loneliness," Dr. Constantinova recommends.
The doctor also stressed that effective prevention involves prompt intervention at the first signs of substance use, along with collaboration among families, schools, and specialists to prevent the onset of addiction.
Dr. Constantinova referred to the success of the Nordic model, which promotes a healthy lifestyle from a young age. In Norway, for example, contact with nature and physical activity are essential components of education, with children participating in daily hikes through forests and weekly swimming sessions.
According to the psychiatrist-narcologist, this model helps instill healthy habits from childhood, fostering conscious behavior towards resource consumption and lifestyle choices, thereby indirectly reducing the risks of addiction during adolescence.
Statistical data indicate that there are approximately 50,000 drug users in the Republic of Moldova, with marijuana being one of the most commonly consumed narcotic substances. Last year, more than 900 individuals were convicted and fined for the consumption and trafficking of prohibited substances.
