SUPPORT for young people with an alcohol or other drug (AOD) problem as well as family and friends affected is crucial according to Swan Hill’s Salvation Army AOD team.
George Mudford is team leader of the Salvation Army’s Swan Hill and Mildura AOD programs and believes education and early intervention is key to tackling the problem of AOD dependence.
“We know from research that the average age a young person uses alcohol for the first time is 16 and they often have little
understanding about the long-term effects or the nature of addiction,” he said.
“There is a shift in how a young person receives their first drink being that in the past it was usually through friends and peer groups.
“Now it is more likely they receive their first drink from parents who are meaning well by trying to introduce alcohol in a safe environment, but evidence shows this is not actually helpful.
“Parents should try to educate their children about the short- and long-term effects of AOD use as well as provide strategies to ensure they remain as safe as possible if they do choose to use.”
The Salvation Army launched its youth AOD early intervention and prevention program last year and has been providing education to schools, sporting clubs and staff who work with young people.
Community engagement
office for the Salvation Army’s AOD program, Meagan McGregor, said young people
are more informed than what people might think.
“Young people are considered 12-25 and through my work across the southern Mallee I have learned that most young people and already exposed to alcohol and other drugs have a lot of insight into the types of drugs around and their effects” she said.
“What many are lacking are safety strategies to ensure harm reduction and avoid the risk of overdose.
“Our program offers individual support to young people as well as education in community settings to provide that crucial information as young people transition through their adolescent years.
“We know that many young people will experiment with AOD and some they will develop a problem before their 18th birthday.
“Our program is aiming to meet the problem before it
develops so young people who do choose to partake in recreational AOD use know all the facts and risks associated and are able to make safer choices.”
Mrs McGregor said support to family and friends concerned about a young person’s AOD use was also important.
“Having a person you love and care about caught up in an AOD problem is a frightening time for family and friends.
“The worry along with changes in behaviour of the young person can cause a lot of stress and angst within a family or friendship group.
“Evidence shows that people are more likely to have success in overcoming AOD dependence if they have support from family and friends.
“The Salvation Army’s one-on-one program offers information and support to those concerned about someone else’s AOD use and offers strategies to assist them to deal with the problem as well as take care of themselves during this difficult time.”
Mr Mudford encouraged family and friends as well as community groups to get in touch with the service to book an appointment or information session at their clubs.
“We are a free and confidential support to young people and their family and friends but we are also going out to our local schools, sporting groups and other social networks to provide information to better support young people,” he said.
“To get in touch and make a booking call 5033 1718 and talk to our staff about the options available.”
