Young people may
experiment with drugs and alcohol, but very few need specialist
structured treatment. KDAAT works to reduce this experimentation
and stop future misuse and dependency.
Young people often test
their boundaries while developing their own identify and values.
During this time, with the freedom to experiment and make ‘adult’
choices, young people can take risks, the consequences of which can
be negative. Smoking, unprotected sex, drinking and drug taking are
all included in this ‘risk taking behaviour.’
Risk taking behaviour is
normal and can be a positive element of development. It allows
young people to become resilient, active and positive adults who
contribute to their communities.
However, for some this
risk taking behaviour can be harmful and reduce opportunity, limit
aspiration, increase vulnerability, promote criminal or anti-social
behaviour and cause physical and psychological problems.
The factors that lead to
harmful risk taking behaviour can be experienced from pre-birth
through to adulthood.
Some young people are at
higher risk than others, especially those in vulnerable groups such
as:
- looked after young people
- refugees and asylum seekers
- young offenders
Research shows that young people can be
affected by ‘risk’ and ‘protective’ factors. Even if a young person
is in a vulnerable group, the right balance of ‘protective’ factors
can reduce the likelihood of harmful risk taking behaviour, and
reduce alcohol and substance misuse.
KDAAT aims to reduce
young peoples drug and alcohol misuse by working with partners and
commissioning services that target the most vulnerable groups in
Kent. Support young people allows them to make inform choices
that will reduce the risk of them becoming dependent on drug and
alcohol misuse in the future.
For those with the most
problematic behaviour it is almost always certain that these
factors have been in place since a very young age. In comparison,
where young people’s harmful risk taking behaviour is reduced or
occurs at a later stage there tends to be better outcomes.
The earlier we intervene
the better the potential outcomes – critically this includes early
years early intervention and pre-adolescence intervention.