Factors predisposing to non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in adolescents who use psychoactive substances

NSSI is widespread among adolescents, and its combination with the use of psychoactive substances (PAS) is associated with a more unfavorable prognosis. This makes their joint study relevant. The research is focused on examining the risk factors for the development of NSSI among adolescents who use PAS. The article presents the results of a single-center, simple cross-sectional clinical study with a retrospective assessment of the impact of substance use disorders on the development of NSSI in minors. A survey was conducted with 102 individuals aged 14–17 who attended the adolescent outpatient clinic at the State Budgetary Healthcare Institution «Moscow Narcology Research Center» and had a diagnosis from the categories F10‑F19, established according to ICD-10, and engaged in self-injurious acts without suicidal intentions. The risk factors for the development of self-aggressive behavior included the higher use of substances such as alcohol, cannabinoids, and nicotine among adolescents. It was found that the earlier the first use of PAS was noted, the faster self-aggressive behavior formed in the future. Most patients with concurrent NSSI and substance use had a high level of alexithymia and exhibited a pronounced urge to engage in self-injurious acts. The results of the study demonstrate the need for the development of comprehensive preventive measures and therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing the risk of NSSI formation in adolescents who use PAS.