Drug prevention for youth at high risk

Abstract

This study highlights the need for developing, piloting and evaluating a Drug Prevention Programme targeting Youth at High Risk. A literature review summarises a number of recent theories, which attempt to explain substance misuse, and explores a number of known risk and protective factors delineating a biopsychosocial approach. A general analysis of the costs incurred by society at large in the prevention and treatment of the drug problem shows current efforts and highlights the lack of secondary prevention initiatives locally. Secondary information gathered from a scrutiny of client files at the Substance Misuse Detox Out-Patient Centre and the Sedqa Drug Community Service and five interviews with experts in the drug field help in the identification of risk factors and risk groups in the local population. The piloting of a secondary drug prevention programme for Trade School Boys is carried out and evaluated. Suggestions and recommendations which indicate possible courses of action are also made.