[Profile of drug use in adolescents. Protective factors]

To determine the patterns of drug use in an adolescent population and to analyse the role of personal and social protective factors in alcohol consumption.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in five secondary schools in the city of Cuenca (Spain) in the period 2015-2016. The groups were randomly selected (3rd - 4th GCSE and 1st - 2nd GCE), with a total of 844 students giving their consent. A self-administered questionnaire was used, which included sociodemographic variables, consumption data, CD-RISC 10 scale to evaluate resilience, and KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire to measure individual and social aspects associated with health-related quality of life in adolescents. Descriptive bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Just over half (55.7%) of the pupils selected were girls, and the mean age was 16.3±1.01 years. The pupils began consumption when they became 13-14 years old. The percentages of habitual consumption were 70.9% for alcohol, 26.4% for tobacco, and 14.2% for cannabis. Multiple drug use was also found in 35%. The regression model for alcohol showed that non-consumers showed better values in emotional moods, self-perception, relationships with their parents, and their school environment.

Adolescents start using drugs, especially cannabis, at an earlier age. Availability and the perception of low-risk make alcohol the most widespread drug. Actions aimed at fostering emotional well-being and family support provides security for adolescents, as well as the resources that help them overcome the pressures of the group.