Risky Behaviour after Psychoactive Substance Use

Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances (PAS) is associated with engaging in risky behaviours that violate legal, moral, and social norms. Constructing effective preventive interventions must be based on up-to-date knowledge of the scale, scope, and determinants of risky behaviours undertaken under the influence of psychoactive substances. Research Aim: The aim is to gain knowledge about the scale of risky behaviours undertaken under the influence of PAS during the 12 months preceding the study, and their determinants: sociodemographic factors and those related to the frequency of PAS use. Research Method: The method was a diagnostic survey – an online questionnaire containing 33 questions or question blocks, including a pilot version of the author’s tool: Substance Abuse Risk Behavior Inventory. A total of 1,265 adults were surveyed, and the analysis included data from 1,104 individuals who had used PAS in the past year. Results: The most common risky behaviours under the influence of PAS in the last 12 months included: performing household chores (34%), casual sexual intercourse (12%), performing professional duties (11%), driving motor vehicles (10%), reckless behaviour (9%), brawling in public places (9%), and disturbing the peace and public order (9%). A key risk factor is male gender. The factors contributing to 6–9 of the analyzed behaviours include: age (up to 35 years of age) and drinking alcohol at least several times a month. Conclusion: Dominant risky behaviours undertaken under the influence of PAS are: performing household and professional duties, casual sexual relations, driving motor vehicles, reckless behaviour, quarreling, and disrupting public order. These behaviours are most often undertaken by men, individuals up to 35 years of age, and those who drink alcohol at least several times a month.