This dissertation aims to have a close look at the availability of illegal drugs among adolescents in Gozo, which directly involves the analysis of the extent to which these adolescents are exposed to such drugs. In particular, this study also tries to provide additional information with the very few recent researches that were carried out in Gozo.

A combination of quantitative and qualitative methodology is used in this study with the ultimate aim to have both essential statistical information as well as a more exhaustive picture of the adolescents’ situation. The semi-structured questionnaire is therefore carried out with Gozitan adolescents (N=387) to explore the various issues that determine or influence the availability of illicit drugs.

The analysis of the collected data indicates that various aspects revolve around the availability of illegal substances. Such aspects are taken into account and include:

• The adolescents’ perception of drug availability
• The close correlation between alcohol and/or cigarettes and other illegal substances
• The use of illegal drugs
• The close encounter with these illicit substances
• Parental supervision
• Attendance to certain places
• The persons who offer illegal drugs and the influence of preventive messages on Gozitan youths

In conclusion, this study attempts to provide essential information that is needed so that everyone including social workers, agencies, the Church, the Educational System, the Government and the Gozitan society as a whole, tackles the availability of illegal drugs among Gozitan adolescents. If these institutions and the Gozitan people try to do their respective duty by for example, increasing parental supervision, truly restricting the attendance to certain places etc., problems and issues regarding the availability of illicit substances can be decreased and avoided in the future generations. Therefore, it is everyone’s duty to collaborate and fight against illegal drugs by understanding that the availability of illicit substances is influenced or determined by other matters. The tackling of these matters is the only solution to limit the availability of illegal drugs among Gozitan adolescents.

B.A. (Hons) Social Work

Keywords:

Illicit Drugs, Gozo Adolescents, Trafficing, alcohol, illicit substances, Parental Supervision.