Working with young people experiencing difficulties with alcohol and other drugs can be challenging. Young people will present with a variety of behavioural, emotional and social problems, and will have strengths and abilities to survive and protect themselves. In programs where a number of young people co-exist, and numerous workers intervene and maintain the environment, it is inevitable that there will occasionally be conflict, aggression, violence and disturbances. Learning to understand and manage these situations will be vital as a youth worker, and will ensure that these episodes are utilised for therapeutic advantage (ie. young people will enhance their insight into the behaviour if these incidents are well-managed).
The techniques and information provided here are not about providing the 'silver bullet' for understanding AOD use amongst young people but rather the techniques and information should equip youth workers with greater understanding and insight into the behaviour of young people, the reasons for this behaviour, and ways to better respond to this behaviour. Creating an environment in which young people can express, learn, understand and grow, will help to increase connections between young people and youth workers. Youth workers have a central role in creating safe environments and helping young people move toward more pro-social and appropriate management of their emotions and behaviour.
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Working with Young People with Alcohol or Other Drug Issues: A self-paced learning package Published: 2006 Funded by NSW Drug & Alcohol Workforce Development Council. Written & compiled by Kristy Delaney, YAPA, and Matt Stubbs & John Howard, Ted Noffs Institute. Additional material by Nick Manning, YAPA, & by Shopfront Youth Legal Centre. Opinions are the author's.
Be careful! YAPA and the authors took reasonable care to ensure that this information was correct at the time of publishing. However health information, and government regulations, laws and standards are complex and changing. The authors may not have health, safety, or legal qualifications, and information provided is general - it is not specific health, legal or professional advice. Do not rely on it - check with other publications and authorities and if necessary get qualified, medical, legal or professional advice for your situation.
