This is a bibliographic and documental research with the purpose to interpret the meaning of using legal and illegal drugs to the Chilean society, describing the most consumed drugs, identifying facilitating factors to the increase of drugs use, analyzing public actions and emphasizing the contradictions surrounding the question. Authors conclude that it is relevant consider the symbolic dimension in the reflections and actions regarding drugs, giving emphasis to the values and habits that stimulate drugs production, distribution and consumption.
health; alcoholism; habits; nursing
