[Abuse of licit and illicit psychoactive substances in children and teenagers in the PACA Region (Southeastern France)]. / Usage abusif des produits psychoactifs licites ou illicites chez l'enfant et l'adolescent dans la région PACA (Sud-Est de la France).

INTRODUCTION: The abuse of licit and illicit psychoactive substances in children and teenagers represents a public health problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of this phenomenon and its growth in the PACA (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) region (Southeastern France). The cases identified during the 10-year period 1992-2002 by the CEIP (Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance) were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-one cases were identified. In most instances, abuse involved a first experience or was sporadic. The users were often boys (70%). The substances were solvents (48.7%) used collectively (33%) during recreational activities (74%). Illicit drugs accounted for 28.2% of the cases involving a first experience (89%), with polyconsumption accounting for 50%, cannabis 57.6%, ecstasy 25.9%, and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) 12.1% of cases. Medicines were also used (16%), the most frequent being benzodiazepines (51.6%). CONCLUSION: The study confirms the abuse of licit and illicit psychoactive substances in children and teenagers and provides information regarding the substances available in this region of France.