[Young people's use of psychopharmaceuticals--self medication and intoxication]

In a study of 1968 young people aged 12-19, from the greater Oslo area, we found that 12% had used tranquillizers or hypnotics last year. This is more than reported earlier. The majority give as a motive that they use the substances as medication against insomnia, worry or depression, but a minority say that they use them for intoxication. In the first group, the mother was the most main supplier. In the second group, the suppliers were peers and the illegal market. Analyses show that both groups of users report a lower level of well-being, but also a higher consumption of legal and illegal drugs than other young people. The use is clearly more frequent among youth whose parents and friends also use much psychopharmacological drugs and intoxicants.