Objectives: a) To characterize the previous substance use of institutionalized adolescents in two therapeutic communities in the north of the Portugal; b) to assess the existence and explore the relationships of internalizing/externalizing problems, strengths and difficulties, self-esteem and subjective well-being of those adolescents.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study carried out in two therapeutic communities. Participants completed five questionnaires: sociodemographic questionnaire; the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST); the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ); Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES); and Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI).
Results: All 67 participants self-reported previous tobacco use, followed by cannabis (98.5%), alcohol (97%), stimulants (64.2%), and other substances with lower ASSIST risk scores. Inferential analysis revealed that girls had significantly better results in the Total SDQ than boys (18.7±4.75 vs. 15.1±5.52, p=0.027), which was not observed in the RSES and PWI. There were positive correlations between SDQ conduct problems and cannabis and opiods use; SDQ peers problems and sedatives and hallucinogens use; and SDQ total difficulties and cannabis.
Discussion/Conclusions: Our participants self-reported substance use of greater magnitude and severity compared to those obtained in studies with students of the same age. Our results seem to suggest that substance use is associated with behavior difficulties. Several factors may be contributing toward the normative self-esteem and subjective wellbeing levels, including individual coping strategies and positive relationships of the adolescent at risk with educators. This work highlights the importance of characterizing the strengths and difficulties of this population and develop multidisciplinary support and treatment plans adjusted to their needs.