Drug use in adolescents with mild intellectual disability in different living arrangements

Abstract

Aims: This study explored the prevalence and patterns of cigarette, alcohol and illicit drug use among adolescents with mild intellectual disability (ID) residing in different types of living arrangements in Serbia.

Methods: A total of 100 male and female adolescents, aged 13–20 years, attending special schools for students with ID completed a self-report measure on drug use. Fifty adolescents lived with their parents, and the other fifty lived at residential schools.

Findings: Overall, the prevalence rates of having ever used cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana were 63%, 49% and 4%, respectively. Boys were more likely to use drugs than girls. The higher prevalence and more severe patterns of drug use were found in adolescents living in residential settings. The significant differences were mainly related to smoking.

Conclusions: The findings from the present study suggest that a substantial number of adolescents with ID had experienced drug use. Implications for future research and prevention practice were discussed.