About this resource
Young people talk when they do not feel judged. This guide offers questions, harm reduction tips and warning signs, with where to get help.
Purpose
A non-judgemental guide to talking with young people about alcohol and drugs, and reducing harm.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Youth workers. Also relevant for community services and case workers, social workers, counsellors and therapists.
Client or participant group: Youth workers.
Practice setting: Youth services.
Suggested uses
- Outreach
- One-on-one conversations
- Group work
Instructions for practitioners
- Add your details and delete what does not apply.
- Check it against your professional requirements.
- Explain it to the person in plain language.
- Store completed copies securely.
Accessibility considerations
Clear headings and tables. The Word version can be edited and filled in on screen.
Scope and limitations
General harm reduction information. It does not encourage drug use, and it is not medical advice.
Higher-risk topic: use only within your training, supervision and organisational procedures.
Research basis
Motivational interviewing has consistent, modest benefits for behaviour change across health and social care settings. Young people are more likely to seek help when they know where to go, trust the person and feel less stigma.
- Lundahl, B. W., Kunz, C., Brownell, C., Tollefson, D., & Burke, B. L. (2010). A Meta-Analysis of Motivational Interviewing: Twenty-Five Years of Empirical Studies. Research on Social Work Practice, 20(2), 137–160. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731509347850
- Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Rickwood, D., Deane, F. P., Wilson, C. J., & Ciarrochi, J. (2005). Young people’s help-seeking for mental health problems. Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health, 4(3), 218–251. https://doi.org/10.5172/jamh.4.3.218
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Written for Practitioner Plus from the sources in the research basis.
