Home > Drug and alcohol-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour: a study of early school leavers in the West of Ireland.

Redmond, Sue and Devaney, Eva (2010) Drug and alcohol-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour: a study of early school leavers in the West of Ireland. Youth Studies Ireland, 5, (1),

External website: https://www.youthworkireland.ie/youth-work-centre/...


Substance use can lead to a variety of negative impacts on society and individuals. Early school leaving places a person at increased risk of substance use and potential dependence. This research aims to explore the drug and alcohol related attitudes, knowledge and behaviours of early school leavers (aged 15–20) in the West of Ireland. The findings suggest that use of all substances, except solvents, is high by comparison with school-going counterparts. Alcohol use is widespread and accepted, with knowledge of the harms from alcohol coming from lived experience. Parental influence emerges as important in shaping a young person’s attitudes towards alcohol. A lack of understanding of the link between drugs – mainly cocaine – and addiction was evident. Dissatisfaction with current drugs education was apparent and knowledge level varied considerably within the group studied.

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