Subjectivity in the path of addictive consumption of psychoactive substances among young Mexicans

Abstract

Addictive drug use today is associated with the impact of the cultural configuration of consumer society and the transformation of institutions that leave young people in distress. Objective. To explore and to understand the subjectivity in the trajectory of the addictive consumption of Psychoactive Substances (PS). Method. Qualitative study from the Grounded Theory, with an intentional sampling, in which nine young people served in two Treatment Centers in Veracruz (Mexico) were interviewed, to reconstruct their Life Stories and their addictive trajectories, using the principle of saturation. Results. Six categories that marked subjectivity were identified: a) experiences within their family context, b) conditions of the social environment, c) what is looked for and what is found, d) filling inner emptiness with PS, e) Consumption related experiences and f) the trajectory of addictive consumption. Conclusions. The subjectivity present in the addictive consumption of PS implies a constant search for satisfaction to fill an emotional void. Studying subjective experiences in current addictive consumption, will allow a better understanding of the origin of addictive consumption and therefore, reorienting intervention strategies that consider the social conditions that produce it.