1997 Awards for Innovation and Excellence in Primary Health Care - Health Promotion: An Innovative Drug Education Strategy for Young People and Parents of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds

Abstract

Brief Description of the Program: Increased drug use among young people is of major concern the world over. It is seen as one of many so-called 'at risk' behaviours characteristic of young people. Drug taking can have grave health consequences for some young people, especially for those who are experiencing a level of mental disturbance, such as depression. Young people coming from disadvantaged and marginalised circumstances are also more likely to be vulnerable, and can become easy victims of drug trafficking. In this respect, young people in Australia of Asian backgrounds appear to be one among many groups being drawn into the drug culture. The families in these communities appear generally reticent and fearful of drug issues, almost to the point of denying that a problem exists. Some young people taking to drugs are known to be disowned by their parents. At the same time there is very little in languages other than English or culturally appropriate information on drugs. Such information, if available, can be used in sensitive and strategic ways to raise the awareness of families of Asian backgrounds on drugs and young people, in the context of intergenerational tensions in parenting.