Reference Group and Alcohol and Cannabis Consumption Among Spanish Youth: A Qualitative Study from Functional Analysis

Abstract

[eng] Social and personal implications related to alcohol and cannabis consumption among Spanish youth present a significant public health concern. However, the underlaying reasons of initiation and continuation of this behaviors are determined by different factors. This study aims to understand the influence of reference group’s consumption in the initiation and maintenance of consumption patterns in a Spanish youth sample. To answer this objective, an exploratory qualitative study with a mixed-method approach was adopted. This way, both AUDIT and CUDIT-R questionnaires and a semi-structured interview were employed. Results showed that all participants experienced with both substances with people from their reference group. And factors such as family and peers’ consumption, as well as risk awareness, influence in the maintenance of the consumption.