Engaging Youth in Substance Use Prevention

Engaging youth in substance use prevention has proven to be a vital and effective strategy. Empowerment across all youth, but particularly among marginalised groups such as youth of colour, is a significant aspect of this involvement. Empowerment-based strategies address unique challenges and leverage community strengths, promoting overall well-being and resilience among youth. Creating supportive environments where youth feel valued and capable of contributing meaningfully to prevention efforts is crucial.  

In this reading list, we will provide resources that will help engage our members with evidence-based youth-led initiatives and approaches. 

Youth-Led Participatory Action Research 

Youth-Led Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is an innovative method that enhances adolescent development and addresses substance use issues. By involving youth in the research process, YPAR allows them to investigate problems affecting their lives and communities. This engagement provides valuable insights that improve the effectiveness of prevention programmes and builds critical thinking and leadership skills among youth. Taking an active role in research and prevention helps youth develop a sense of ownership and responsibility toward outcomes, significantly boosting the sustainability of these initiatives. 

Engaging youth as leaders and partners can improve substance use prevention: a call to action to support youth engagement practice and research 

Youth Participatory Action Research for Youth Substance Use Prevention: A Systematic Review  

Youth-Led Participatory Action Research: Developmental and Equity Perspectives 

Health Equity & Youth Participation 

Conceptualising youth participatory approaches is essential for promoting health equity. These approaches involve youth designing, implementing, and evaluating prevention programmes, ensuring cultural relevance, and addressing diverse community needs. Such involvement helps bridge health disparities and fosters equity, as youth from various backgrounds contribute unique perspectives and solutions. Engaging youth in this manner enhances programme efficacy and empowers them to become advocates for health and social justice in their communities. 

Youth Participatory Approaches and Health Equity: Conceptualization and Integrative Review 

The Ohio Youth-Led Initiative exemplifies how youth collaboration can drive community change and substance use prevention. This initiative creates spaces for young people to share experiences and work on projects addressing substance use and other community issues. By leading these projects, youth gain valuable skills in leadership, project management, and community organising. The success of such initiatives highlights the importance of providing platforms for youth to take charge and make a difference, demonstrating that youth-led approaches can effectively complement traditional prevention strategies. 

International initiatives and youth forums play a crucial role in addressing substance use among young people. 

• UNODC Youth Forum on Drug Abuse: Engages young people in preventive strategies and policy discussions. UNODC Youth 

• 5th Youth Advocacy Forum: The upcoming forum is on August 21st, 2024, via Zoom. Find out more at this link: https://www.youthadvocacyforum.com/ 

Overall, youth involvement in substance use prevention is not only beneficial but essential. Empowering youth through participatory research, community projects, and authentic partnerships leads to more effective and sustainable prevention efforts. It also helps build a generation of informed, engaged, and proactive individuals capable of driving positive change in their communities.