Drug Education: An Entitlement For All
A report to Government by the Advisory Group on Drug and Alcohol Education
2008
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Contents
Foreword by Eric Carlin, Chair of the Drug Education Forum Executive Summary Introduction Chapter 1: An Analysis of the Problem Chapter 2: The Recommendations 2 3 6 9 18
Annexes: Annex A: Drug and Alcohol Education Advisory Group: Membership Annex B: Drug and Alcohol Education Advisory Group: Terms of Reference Annex C: Glossary of Terms Annex D: Drug and Alcohol Education Advisory Group: Evidence Summary Paper 21 22 24 26
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Drug Education: An Entitlement For All
Foreword
Drug and alcohol misuse damages children and young people, their families and communities. By providing effective drug and alcohol education we can help to protect children and young people, supporting them to avoid harm in the first place or to get help and support before problems become too serious. We can also direct those who need it into treatment as swiftly as possible. As Chair of the Drug Education Forum, I welcome this independent review of effectiveness of drug and alcohol education. I am pleased that the review has included alcohol, volatile substances and tobacco as well as illegal drugs. I also welcome the recognition that the delivery of drug education needs to be part of a whole programme of interventions, delivered in schools, colleges and community settings that promote and deliver the Every Child Matters agenda: supporting young people to stay healthy and safe; enjoy and achieve; thrive and participate as active citizens. In recent years we have seen a fall in reported numbers of young people using illegal drugs. We have also seen promising evidence of the effectiveness of normative educational work in helping young people avoid drug or alcohol misuse. Whilst most young people do not misuse drugs or alcohol, we have become increasingly concerned at the rising amounts that under-age drinkers are consuming and the related problematic behaviours. There is no room for complacency. The Advisory Group's recommendations are born of a thorough examination of the evidence about young people and drugs and what makes effective drug and alcohol education. They are also informed by the years of professional experience each member of the Advisory Group has brought to the process, and I look forward to the Government's response to this report.

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