Emerging adults' involvement with illicit substances in Malta : a study with higher education students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore emerging adults’ involvement with illicit substances in Malta. The objective of this research was to collect quantitative data on perceptions of emerging adults in Malta regarding accessibility, availability, and routes of procurement of illicit substances. The participants recruited for this study were students enrolled in higher education institutions in Malta. Participants completed an online, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire regarding their perceptions on availability, accessibility, and routes of procurement of illicit substances in Malta. A total of 167 participants (males- 56; females -107; other- 3) were recruited for this study, in which the data was analysed using SPSS 28.0. The findings indicated partial support for the normalisation of several illicit substances in Malta including cannabis, ecstasy, and LSD. No statistically significant gender differences were noted between males and females for perceptions of drug availability, accessibility, and routes of procurement of substances. Early emerging adults reported more frequent use of a wider range of substances than late teens. Although late emerging adults reported more use of substances than late teens, these still did not surpass reports on use by early emerging adults. Findings were discussed in relation to existing literature. Recommendations of this study include further research into the reason for the bridging of the gender gap between males and females for use, availability, and accessibility to illicit substances in Malta. Recommendations include also further exploration on the reasons why so many emerging adults in this research disclosed not taking the substances offered to them.