What do young people involved in the youth justice system think about alcohol and other drug use?

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) recently broadcast a webinar titled “‘I had nothing and drugs don’t leave’: Young offenders’ perspectives on alcohol and other drugs.” The presentation provides an overview of a qualitative study that included focus group interviews with young people who were involved in the youth justice system. The participants revealed a low level of knowledge of harm reduction strategies, and they had very limited access to AOD education. Many of the young people had experienced significant trauma, and had high levels of psychological distress.  The young people also talked about their preference for engaging with services and workers that included lived experience or peer workers, who had experience of alcohol and other drug use.

Watch “‘I had nothing and drugs don’t leave’: Young offenders’ perspectives on alcohol and other drugs.” (1 hour)