Polydrug use of illicit drugs among adolescents in Hogar Crea of Barba de Heredia and Cartago

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to analyze polydrug use of illicit drugs in teenagers of both genders in
two nongovernmental organizations of Costa Rica. It depicts the problems with polydrug use with the qualitative
research using two focal groups of teenagers. They relate, with the technique of collage, their own experiences
with the way they use illicit drugs. The research showed that the most commonly used drugs are marihuana and
cocaine mixed with tobacco, also the time they consume it goes from 2 months to 4 years. Furthermore, they face
their recovery in a special center, assuming the experience with consuming brings negative consequences like
death, crime and jail in some cases. However, they hope to defeat the addiction and look for a better future by
going through with the program established in the organization and also with the support of their families.