Larina E.V. Modern aspects of the problem of substance abuse in Russia. PNRPU Sociology and Economics Bulletin. 2024. No. 2. Pp. 106-121 (In Russ).

Abstract

The relevance of analyzing the current state of substance abuse in Russia stems from the high prevalence of childhood and adolescent morbidity associated with the use of psychoactive substances (PAS), a rapid increase in the number of deaths due to toxic poisoning, and a rise in certain indicators related to the use of non-narcotic PAS. This article presents data from a secondary analysis of surveys conducted among the adult urban population of the Russian Federation (2019, N = 1350; 2021, N = 1355) and students ofRussian higher educational institutions (2021, N = 528). These surveys were carried out by the Sociology of Deviant Behavior sector of the Institute of Sociology, part of the Federal Scientific Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, with the direct involvement of the author. A review of specialized statistical data and the content of internet resources dedicated to the issue was also conducted. The two most common types of substance abuse today, namely inhalant abuse ("sniffing") and drug abuse, are examined.Additionally, ongoing measures to combat substance abuse are reviewed. The findings reveal that the issue is most acute among adolescents, due to factors such as the covert nature of toxic substance abuse, the almost complete absence of external signs of use, the wide availability of substances commonly used for intoxication, their relatively low cost, and legal circulation.