Bridging the gap: Young people and substance use

Every young person will decide whether or not to use substances; many try it, with some developing short term harms, and a few developing long term problems which may require a range of different interventions. Young people's bodies are different to adults. In particular, substance use while the brain is developing
can cause much more, longer term problems than substance use when the brain is more developed. The aim of this resource is to increase the knowledge and confidence of those working alongside young people in the primary care environment (including youth workers, school counsellors and others in youth focussed practice) to address issues related to alcohol and other substance use. This resource may also be useful as a training tool for clinicians in specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) services who provide training to youth workers in the primary care environment.