This article argues that school-based primary prevention – trying to dissuade pupils from using drugs – is not a viable approach. Evaluations of drug education programmes have found that they do not prevent young people using drugs and that reducing…
Tag Archive for young people
Druglink article 1996 – Mobilising parents by Linda Quinn
Most 15 – 16 year old’s live with one or two parents, who can have a real influence as to whether the family becomes involved in drugs. The findings of this research show that young people feel parental involvement to…
Druglink article 1994 – Peer pressure: a convenient explanation by Niall Coggins and Susan McKellar
The ideas that peer pressure and low self-esteem cause youth drug use lie behind many drug education programmes in Britain. Such ideas divert responsibility away from the drug user and from their parents and other carers, and conform to popular…
Druglink article 1994 – The two sides of fear by Arnold Cragg
In researching government anti-drug campaigns, interviews with parents and young people suggested that fear of drugs has deterred many young people from experimenting. However, fearful parents feel the only safe line is absolute rejection so are not receptive to information…
Druglink article 1993 – Crew 2000 Peer coalition in action by Peter McDermott and Willie McBride
In Edinburgh, drug users and local young people together with drug workers have formed a coalition to inform their peers about drugs and have focused initially on the local club scene. Their experience of the use of Temazepam by club…
Druglink article 1993 – The post-heroin generation by Fiona Measham, Russell Newcombe and Howard Parker
A survey of 14-15 year old school pupils in the North West reveals that over a third had tried drugs with highs rates of hallucinogen and stimulant use as well as cannabis. As many girls as boys had tried drugs.…
Druglink article 1993 – The drug agency goes to school by Paul Berry, Gerry McKenna
The Community Alcohol and Drug Service in King’s Lynn developed a continuing partnership with a local school which led to the agency’s staff being present at the school to help in health education about drugs, sex and AIDS, and to…
Druglink article 1993 – Too hot to handle by Ian Clements
Since the 1980’s recreational drug use among young people has increased in extent and in the variety of drugs used, creating a potentially large new consumer group for drug services. Drug and medical services shy away from getting involved with…
Druglink article 1993 – The Children Act by Patricia Kearney and Gillian Norman-Bruce
The children Act 1989 prioritises child welfare and places duties on local authorities and other agencies working with parents and children. It also provides new opportunities for agencies such as drug agencies to advocate on behalf of and gain support…
Druglink article 1992 – A researcher reports from the rave by Russell Newcombe
Many thousands of young people take LSD, ecstasy and amphetamine while attending rave dance events. Use is usually occasional and unproblematic but dangers arise from the uncertain composition and strength of the drugs. A minority of ravers take drug cocktails…