Abstract

GIRALDO, Álvaro et al. A trip that can be controlled: drug consumption among homeless children living in the streets. Rev. Fac. Nac. Salud Pública [online]. 2008, vol.26, n.1, pp.11-17. ISSN 0120-386X.

This research was made with homeless children of Medellín, Colombia. Objective: to understand from the children’s view the meaning of drug and the process of consumption. Method: qualitative ethnographic research. Results: the process of drug consumption, what they call "the trip", can bring benefit or trouble, depending on the control the children have on the drug. Conclusion: curiosity, inducement, others’ example, and family conflict contribute to the beginning of consumption. Whether they have control over the drug, the "trip" can be or cannot be "good"; the drug control involves coherence between the things they have on their minds and the action they do. Reflection: To encourage the qualitative research in this field in order to have the view of the children, and be able to design programs according to their reality. Institutions must accompany the children because one of the reasons to start consuming is the seeking of company. In these circumstances, but that to suppress the drug consumption we have to teach how to control drug consumption instead of eliminating it.

Keywords : Drug consumption; experiences; beginning of consumption; homeless children; meanings.

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