Social Status and Risky Use of Psychoactive Substances

Introduction: Research indicates that a high percentage of Poles use psychoactive substances in a problematic manner, often combining several substances. Early diagnosis of the scale and predictors of this issue increases the chances of developing and implementing effective social prevention strategies. Research Aim: To determine the scale of risky psychoactive substance use (PSU) and to examine its associations with social status (sociodemographic, family, occupational, and economic factors). Method: The study used a diagnostic survey method – an online questionnaire consisting of 33 questions or question blocks, including the Risky Use Scale (RUS). A total of 1,265 individuals with diverse sociodemographic profiles took part in the survey. The analyses described in this article were based on 13 selected questions or blocks of questions. Results: Risky use of substances (alcohol and/or illegal psychoactive substances or medications used without medical indication) in the past 12 months was reported by 17.7% of respondents; 35% of them were likely struggling with addiction. Risky use was most common among: men (twice as often as women); individuals aged 18–25 (twice as often as those over 36); singles (three times more than the average for the sample and six times more than married individuals); and residents of medium-sized towns (half as often as other respondents). Fertility, economic, and occupational factors did not significantly differentiate risky use of psychoactive substances. Conclusions: Nearly one in five respondents reported risky use of psychoactive substances in the past year, particularly men, young adults, single individuals, and residents of rural and small urban areas (in terms of risky use) or large cities (in terms of suspected addiction).