The state is trying to limit addictive substances. But is this a concern for the youth? 0 24

However, the reality is much more complex, researchers note, writes TV3.lv.

How political regulation and market changes actually affect the choices and habits of young people is currently being studied by a team of scientists from the University of Latvia. Experts emphasize that there is still often a lack of understanding of young people's motivations in politics.

"The situation with the use of addictive substances is very difficult to regulate because there remains one 'black box' - human behavior. Each person makes the decision themselves - to try or not to try, to use or not to use certain products. And what motives drive young people to try or, if they have already tried, to continue using - this area is precisely within our responsibility," says Professor Aija Zobena from the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Latvia.

Youth is the most at-risk group. If a person does not start using addictive substances by around the age of 25, the likelihood of them starting later is significantly lower. Therefore, it is important to understand not only the factor of accessibility but also behavioral and cultural factors.

Specialists who work daily with young people struggling with addiction emphasize that substance use is often a consequence of other problems. This can be domestic violence, difficulties in school, or in relationships. And substances become a way to cope with this. If use becomes a habit, access to various substances is no longer a problem. Latvia is not isolated from neighboring countries, so one question is the differences in regulation, and another is its enforcement.

The ban on electronic cigarettes introduced in Latvia a year ago has opened the door to a wide illegal market. However, researchers are confident that the most effective prevention starts at an age significantly preceding the period when teenagers encounter addictive substances.