To gain a deeper understanding about the alcohol and other drug experiences of vulnerable young people in West Auckland

Project Background We know the numbers We haven’t heard their experiences We need to talk with young people Ethics approval At-risk young people Collaborative project

Objectives

Survey Conversations

We heard how elements of a young person’s environment and wellbeing impacted their use of alcohol or other drugs; how this use affected young peoples’ Mauri Ora and how protective factors buffered this impact. Applying Te Whare Tapa Whā

Our Findings

Eve’s Story

In your roles as youth health professionals where could you intervene? The Common Pattern

Exclusion from School Young people revealed that exclusion from school was one of the biggest factors that increased their alcohol and drug use, especially when they remained outside the school system for longer than necessary.

Early exposure to alcohol or other drugs Using substances was seen as normal, having seen their parents or siblings use, and led to the young people not seeing alcohol or other drug use as problematic.

Cycle of Use

Safe zone Safe Zones

Spiralling Down

The Reflection Do I belong here? Is this who I really am? Am I becoming who I want to be? This isn’t me moments A dramatic event Pregnancy / parenthood

Knowing when a young person is reflecting and thinking about change is a key moment for intervention. Thoughts of change often shifted quickly

The Strategies

The Insights The following are the insights we gained from our conversations with young people with the statistics gathered in the quantitative survey

Having a narrow vision is common during adolescent years. How can we help young people see other options? Brain Development

Young people made new friends based on how they viewed themselves (their identity) at that particular time, and then adopted behaviours they perceived were normal for the group Belonging

Parents siblings or extended family most frequently supplied alcohol or drugs for the young people’s first experience. First Drink

Young people often drank more than planned due to due to a lack of awareness of the stage they were at once intoxicated. Drunkenness How can we help young people understand these stages and plan to stop earlier?

It wasn’t enough just to have people who cared, the young people needed to KNOW someone cared about them. Many did not think anyone cared about them. This lead to them caring less about themselves and what they did and caused increase alcohol and other drug use. Knowing Someone Cares How can we show young people we care and believe in them?

Key Statistics Binge Drinking

What could you do to intervene? “I now have hope for the future’