A program that predicts which teens are likely to engage in risky drug and alcohol use - and works to prevent them from doing so - is being rolled out in schools along the South Coast.
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District drug and alcohol services have teamed up with the University of Sydney to run the Preventure program for students aged 13 to 14.
It's the latest tool being used by the district to address harmful drinking habits among young people which may have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, youth drug and alcohol worker Emily Deegan said.
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She said research by Orygen - the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health - showed that those who increased their alcohol consumption during lockdown were likely to continue to drink at higher levels once restrictions were eased.
"The Preventure program was developed by the University of Montreal, and adapted by the University of Sydney's Matilda Centre," Ms Deegan said.
"A survey is completed by students, which identifies those with four distinct personality traits that are linked to adolescent substance misuse and mental health or behavioural problems.
"The four personality traits are negative thinking, anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity and sensation seeking. All students will have some elements of those, but we target those who score higher for those particular traits."
Identified students are invited to take part in small group workshops with trained facilitators to help them understand how their personality style may lead to certain emotional and behavioural reactions.
"The goal is to target young people in Years 8 and 9 before the onset of risky behaviour, so we can educate them and equip them with strategies and coping skills to prevent that behaviour and improve their mental health," Ms Deegan said.
There's two trained facilitators in the health district, who run the program at one or two schools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven each term.
"There will also be accredited training available for schools, so they can train their own staff enabling the program to be run more frequently and reach more students," Ms Deegan said.
"We know this program works - with research showing a sustained benefit for the students who participate."
Studies of the program have shown benefits including a reduced uptake of alcohol, and reduced frequency of alcohol use and binge drinking.
The research also revealed Preventure had led to a reduced uptake and frequency of the use of cannabis and other illegal drugs. As well it had led to reduced depression and anxiety.
"Any delay in the onset of substance use is of benefit not only to the individual but society as a whole - as it reduces alcohol and other drug-related harms," Ms Deegan said.
"The earlier people initiate any substance use, the higher the risk they will develop ongoing problems with substance abuse and mental health."
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