Alcohol and other drug education programs

Alcohol and other drug education programs aim to inform people about the risks of alcohol and other drug use and give them practical skills to make decisions that reduce harm. Depending on its aim, a program may seek to delay or reduce alcohol and other drug use, or to discourage someone from using at all.

Programs for school-aged children#

For school-aged children, alcohol and other drug education usually focuses on building resilience and good decision-making skills. Some strategies also involve parents, encouraging them to model responsible drinking and giving them guidance on how to talk to their children about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Age-appropriate programs and online resources are available to help school communities access accurate, up-to-date drug education and prevention materials for children in primary and secondary school.

Programs for adults#

Once people reach legal drinking age, alcohol education programs focus on promoting healthier attitudes to alcohol. They may also encourage people to reduce how much they drink regularly, to lower the chance of alcohol dependence and longer-term health problems.

When it comes to illegal drugs or the non-medical use of pharmaceutical medicines, education programs aim to raise awareness of the risks linked to specific drugs. These can include:

• Short-term risks, such as overdose.
• Longer-term issues, such as dependence.
• Risks associated with how drugs are taken, such as injecting or using several drugs at once (poly-drug use).

Programs for specific settings and groups#

Some alcohol and other drug education programs are aimed at particular groups or settings where risky drinking can occur. Examples of approaches include:

• Harm reduction at events. Peer-education programs that aim to reduce drug- and alcohol-related harm at dance parties, festivals and nightclubs.
• Overdose prevention and first aid. Programs that deliver overdose education, including peer-based education for people who use drugs, and training in overdose first aid. These programs may also arrange access to naloxone, a medicine that reverses the effects of opioids, for people who may be at risk of, or who may witness, an opioid overdose.
• Alcohol management in community settings. Programs that help sporting clubs and other community organisations manage alcohol more responsibly.
• Responsible service of alcohol. Training for licensees and staff who sell or serve alcohol, so that licensed venues provide a safe and pleasant environment.
• Support in alcohol-fuelled environments. Programs that educate and support young people in settings where heavy drinking is common.

For information and resources to help you make decisions about your own drinking, look for reputable alcohol and drug education services in your area.

Where to get help#