LJMU scales up teen drug use prevention scheme

Experts at LJMU are scaling up a ‘promising’ drugs education scheme for teenagers after successful early trials.

The Illicit programme, pioneered in schools in Sydney, has significantly reduced substance use among 15-19-year-olds, including cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), alcohol and nicotine.

Part of its success is arguably its focus on the broader mental health and attitudes of young people vulnerable to taking up with illegal substances.

Professor Harry Sumnall, of LJMU’s Public Health Institute, will lead the upscaled trial after winning a £430K grant from the National Institute of Health Research.

Deaths on rise

Deaths from drug use in England and Wales rose by 11% in 2023, according to data from the Office for National Statistics, with 5,448 fatalities - the highest number since records began in 1993.

Professor Sumnall said: “Although alcohol and other drug education is part of the curriculum, teachers often struggle to find the right resources and we don’t know what is delivered in schools actually leads to reductions in substance use.

“The Illicit Project is one of the few substance use prevention programmes that is backed up by high quality evidence.

“Our own research shows a strong link between substance use and young people’s mental health and safety. By focusing on these aspects, we think we are more likely to have a positive impact than out of date and ineffective approaches that only focus on stressing the dangers of substance use.”

Talking around the pressures

Illicit is delivered through online sessions and discussions with youngsters on drug effects, resisting social pressures, and seeking help. Schools have welcomed the fact it requires very little input from already over-worked teachers and staff.

Following positive pilot feedback from schools in Merseyside and Scotland, the project will now expand to at least 48 schools across north west England and Scotland.

Researchers will collect feedback through surveys and interviews with young people, school staff and drug support professionals. They will also work with local partners to understand how the scheme could support long-term drug prevention strategies.

Siân York, Assistant Headteacher and Safeguarding Lead at Calderstones School in Liverpool, commented after the initial trial: "It is important to empower students to make better life choices and upskill them so that they can keep themselves safe, both mentally and physically.”