Prevention

Prevention of problem drug use, in a broad sense, seeks to prevent the taking of illegal drugs, the prevention of harm where drug taking has initiated and the prevention of relapse where drug treatment has started.  It also seeks to increase the awareness and understanding of people of the consequences of problem drug use and to delay the onset of first use.

Priorities of the Prevention Pillar:

• The further development of a tiered or graduated approach to prevention and education measures in relation to drugs and alcohol.  This approach would provide a framework for the future design of targeted prevention and education interventions
• Improved delivery of SPHE in primary and post-primary schools,  including through the implementation of the recommendations of the SPHE evaluation in post primary schools and the development of a whole school approach to substance use education in the context of SPHE
• The co-ordination of the activities and funding of youth interventions in the non-school education sector to optimise their impact
• A continued focus on orienting educational and youth services towards early interventions for people and communities  that are most at risk
• The promotion of healthier lifestyle choices among young people in regard to the dangers of alcohol, with particular reference to  misuse and binge drinking
• The development of timely awareness campaigns targeted in a way that takes individual, social and environmental conditions into account