Importance of drug and alcohol prevention

The best solution is to reach young people with effective, fact-based drug education—before they start experimenting with drugs. Tweens, teens and young adults who know the facts about drugs are much less likely to start using them. -Drug Free World

The harms associated with drugs and alcohol, including accidents, injury and violence, are particularly high for young people. Drugs and alcohol can also interfere with the developing adolescent brain. Therefore, the National Health and Medical Research Council advises that for young people under the age of 15, it is particularly important that they do not consume alcohol. For 15-17-year-olds the safest option is to delay the consumption of alcohol for as long as possible.

Problems with alcohol and other drug use often begin during adolescence and research shows that the earlier a young person starts to use drugs and alcohol, the more likely they will experience various negative outcomes. These include poor school performance and early drop out, an increased risk of other mental health problems, dependency on substances (i.e. addiction), and an increased likelihood of juvenile offending. This highlights the need for effective prevention in adolescence to protect young people from these associated harms.

the following can all help to limit or minimise exposure to risky behaviour around alcohol and other drugs:

• developing positive recreational interests (ie. sports, arts, hobbies, volunteering or positive group activities)

• holding positive relationships with parents, family members and other role models

• being engaged in a school or community,

• spiritual beliefs