RIZIČNI I ZAŠTITNI ČIMBENICI KOD PROBLEMA OVISNOSTI O SINTETSKIM DROGAMA KOD MALOLJETNIKA S PODRUČJA ISTARSKE ŽUPANIJE
RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS IN THE PROBLEM OF SYNTHETIC DRUG ADDICTION AMONG MINORS IN THE ISTRIA COUNTY

Summary/Abstract: Numerous studies on addiction in young people focus on identifying risk and protective factors, aiming to highlight those that make young individuals more resilient or more prone to psychoactive substance use. To explain this complex interaction, the Multiple Risk and Protective Factor Model has been most widely used in recent years. This paper aims to highlight and define specific risk and protective factors influencing the problem of synthetic drug addiction among minors, with special emphasis on the nightlife environment as a significant contextual risk factor, and with a focus on the population of the Istria County. The research methodology is based on a case study of three users of the Pula-Pola Community Service Center. The results indicate that, in addition to previously analyzed deep social factors such as war trauma and the transgenerational legacy of addiction, key protective factors included: strong emotional connection and support within the family (when available), the presence of a positive adult role model outside the immediate family, involvement in structured leisure activities, and access to professional help and preventive programs in the local community. On the other hand, the most significant risk factors included: transgenerational transmission of trauma and addictive patterns, persistent social and economic deprivation of the family, domestic violence, loss of primary caregivers (death, suicide, neglect), peer pressure within specific subcultures, easy availability of synthetic drugs within the nightlife environment, and a lack of awareness of long-term consequences among both young people and parents. In conclusion, the research confirms that effective prevention and intervention regarding juvenile synthetic drug addiction require a holistic approach that takes into account both historical trauma and family patterns, as well as specific risk environments such as nightlife, while simultaneously strengthening protective mechanisms within the individual, the family, and the wider community.

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