A cocaine consumption study in Madrid from Social Psychology

Abstract

Cocaine use in Spain is understood to be a serious problem, and this article reports two methodologically contrasting studies of the phenomenon. The first measures differences in eight variables (personality traits, personal values, attitudes towards cocaine consumption, subjective norms, behavioral perceived control, behavioral intention and socio-demographic and substance consumption) among three groups of respondents, totaling 660 people. The groups are: cocaine users, people in treatment for cocaine dependence, and people who have never used cocaine. The results identify, as significant risk factors: perceived behavioral control, the values of Hedonism and Stimulation, and the personality trait of Impulsivity. In the second study, life stories are collected form 32 people with significant experience of cocaine use. These life stories reveal the sociocultural, leisure, competitive and consumerist factors that promote or facilitate cocaine and other substance use. Finally, the article considers theoretical and methodological issues, and makes a number of recommendations for drugs prevention policy.