SUBSTANCE USE AND VIOLENCE IN ADOLESCENCE: EMOTIONAL AND RELATIONAL DYNAMICS

Abstract

Introduction. This study examines the coping mechanisms, emotional factors, and family contexts that influence substance use and violent behavior among adolescents. Methods and Materials. The research draws on 27 semi-structured interviews with 18-year-old students from 11 counties in Romania. A thematic content analysis was performed through an inductive approach, involving open coding of meaning units and the extraction of key themes related to substance use, violence, and emotional regulation strategies. Results. The analysis identified three main themes concerning substance use and violent behavior. Adolescents’ narratives suggested that drug use often served as a coping response to academic stress, family instability, and a lack of emotional support. Conflictual parental relationships—particularly paternal absence and exposure to domestic violence—were associated with early initiation of substance use and the development of maladaptive coping strategies, including alcohol consumption, drug use, and violent behavior. Participants also described positive emotional self-regulation strategies, such as engaging in sports or withdrawing from conflicts; however, these strategies appeared insufficiently developed to effectively prevent substance use. Conclusions. Substance use among adolescents reflects a response to chronic stress, family trauma, and exposure to violence. The quality of relationships, particularly within the family, serves as both a risk and protective factor for problematic behaviors. Strengthening the protective aspects of these relationships could reduce the likelihood of antisocial behaviors among adolescents. Effective interventions should address adolescents’ multidimensional emotional and social vulnerabilities to prevent the onset of risk behaviors. Keywords: adolescence, drug use, violence, emotional regulation, coping strategies.