Abstract
OBJECTIVES: to assess the prevalence and factors associated with psychoactive substance consumption among 7th and 9th grade students. METHODS: an exploratory observational study, through the application of an online self-completion questionnaire, from 2016 to 2022, to 12,767 students. RESULTS: tobacco, alcohol and drug consumption fluctuated, with alcohol being the most consumed substance by young people, followed by drugs and, lastly, tobacco. The study revealed a downward trend in tobacco and alcohol consumption among adolescents. There was a notable increase in glue, varnish and solvent consumption, which surpassed consumption cannabis/hashish consumption. CONCLUSIONS: initial substance consumption occurs predominantly in a social context and begins in early adolescence. The propensity to consume increases as students age, with higher consumption being noted among older adolescents.