Life experience of adolescent drug users

a phenomenological approach

Abstract

Objective: To understand the life experience of adolescents who use illicit drugs. Method: A phenomenological qualitative study conducted in a Youth Integration Center of Sinaloa Mexico from October 2016 to July 2017. The phenomenological interview was conducted with 11 adolescent informants and was based on a leading question. Heideggerian hermeneutics were used as a reference for the analysis of the narratives that identified the phenomenon described. Results: Three categories expressed the phenomenon: family roughness, which revealed a violent, oppressive world lacking in affection and moral values; experimenting in the world of drug use, which revealed its existence and experimentation with several drugs and the novelty in that world; and the hope of “being there”, which portrays an individual with possibilities to coexist with themselves, society, family, loved ones and their spirituality. Conclusion: The understanding of the life experience reflects the adolescent drug user’s need for sensitive and comprehensive human care provided by a multidisciplinary health team.