Risky consumption among adolescents: A survey for Spain

The purpose of this paper is to review the extensive literature on the abuse of drugs by minors in Spain. The most important evidence obtained so far for Spain is gathered in the following results. While it is true that the authors have identified the environment and the lack of information on the harmful effects of drug consumption as the primary determinant variables in drug use, they also show that, through information campaigns and reduction of drug use by both parents and friends, the rates of individual drug abuse would be reduced. It is important to invest money in information campaigns about the risks of drug use, because adolescents are the most vulnerable to substance abuse leading to dependency, to school failure, and consequently to a deterioration in the individual stocks of human capital - not to mention the effects on health.