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 misuse alcohol or drugs if they can keep busy with activities like school or sport, and if they have a strong support network (family and friends) [23520].

A strong connection with family and community helps to protect young people from substance use problems. Teaching children about culture, encouraging them to go to school and yarning with them about the harms of smoking, alcohol and other drugs can reduce the chance they will use them [33943]. Feeling good about life is one of the best ways of preventing problems with alcohol and other drug use.