Young people

There are many reasons why young people use illicit drugs. Some of these are to [23520]:

• relax
• be sociable
• escape boredom
• avoid painful situations.

Young people are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs (AOD) if they can keep busy with activities like school or sport, and if they have a strong support network (family and friends) [23520]. Teaching children about culture, encouraging them to go to school, yarning with them about drug use and being a good role model reduces the chances of harmful drug use [33943]. Measures that restrict the availability of drugs also have a role [23503].

Education on the harms of drug use is useful but needs to be part of a holistic approach that incorporates other elements. A review of effective programs for young Aboriginal young people to address problem AOD use found that a multi-pronged approach that incorporates cultural values and is strength-based is more likely to have successful engagement [33637].