1. Parents Victoria Conference – Young People & Alcohol Facilitators: Kate Constance, Sandra Foulstone and Kerstin Hinrichsen

2. Outline Alcohol use amongst adolescents Adolescent brain development Effects of alcohol use Harms from alcohol use What parents can do Treatment services

3. Harm Minimisation – Australian policy since 1985 Defined by the National Drug Strategy as: ‘ involving a range of approaches to prevent and reduce drug related harm, including prevention, early intervention, specialist treatment, supply control, safer drug use and abstinence.'

4. Current Victorian Initiatives This year a Blue Print for the delivery of services within the AOD sector was launched. This Blue Print also aims at working consistently with the new Mental Health Strategy. The vision of the New Blueprint for Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services 2009-2013: Client-Centred, Service Focused is:

5. Standard drinks

6. New guidelines for low risk drinking MenWomen Up to or less than 2 Standard drinks 2 Standard drinks per day 1-2 alcohol free days per week Under 18s Nothing if under 15 years 15 – 17 year olds should follow adult guidelines for low risk drinking, under parental supervision Planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding Not drinking is the safest option The National Health & Medical Research Council’s revised guidelines. Released October 13 th 2007

7. Tobacco & alcohol use among 14 – 19 year olds (2007) Source:2007 National Drug Household Survey Drug type DailyWeekly<weeklyExNever Alcohol1.0%20.9%49.1 / 71%3.0%26% Drug type 12 - 1516-1718-1912-19 Alcohol2.1%17.8%41.1%15.9% Weekly alcohol use among 12 – 19 year olds, breakdown by age (2007) Drug type 20-2930-3940-4950-5960+ Alcohol47.8%47.5%46.8%43.8%34.6% Weekly alcohol use among Australians 20 years and over, breakdown by age (2007)

8. Why do people use drugs? Part of a formal or informal social event To relax For the pleasurable effects To control stress To obtain relief from pain (physical or psychological) To feel part of a group As a response to loneliness or social isolation As a form of rebellion Out of curiosity – to experiment For religious purposes Drug use has been around for most of human history and can be seen as a normal part of human behaviour

9. Types of drug use: –Experimental –Social or recreational –Circumstantial or situational –Intensive –Dependent

10. Alarm over our binge-drinking 'epidemic‘ The Age, Feb 2007

11. Short-term health effects Short-term health effects (risks from binge drinking) Harms to physical healthHarms to mental health risk-taking behaviour leading ….to accidents, falls, injury & ….death unconsciousness gut irritation & diarrhoea inflamed pancreas sexual problems suicidal behaviour increased stress, aggravation ….& tension aggravating sleep disorders

12. Long-term health effects Long-term health effects (risks from regular heavy drinking) Harms to physical healthHarms to mental health cirrhosis of the liver cancer (especially of the ….mouth, throat & oesophagus) heart & vascular disorders ….(eg. stroke & hypertension) harm to foetus (unborn baby) sexual problems (eg. male ….impotence) alcohol dependence problems with memory & ….reasoning alcohol related brain injury

13. Liver All problems related to physical health.  Brain function  Liver damage  Cardiac damage  Accidents / car crashes  Circulation / Diabetes  Nutrition Lover Relationship problems. For example:  Family  Friends/peer group  School/Work  Recreational Livelihood School and /or activity Related issues. For example:  Frequent lateness  Under performance  Reduced ability to function in main life activities related to school etc. Law Legal consequences of Alcohol and drug use. For example:  Alcohol related assault or other related charges / convictions  Underage drinking  Use or possession of other illegal drugs

14. Brain Development & Substance Use Research now suggests that the human brain is still maturing during the adolescent years, with changes continuing into the early twenties. The unique susceptibility of the adolescent brain to drug addiction reinforces what we already know. Prevention is important. (Adolescent Brain Development: Implications for Drug Use prevention. Jesse Breyer, B.A. & Ken C. Winters PH.D. Center for Substance Abuse Research. Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota & Mentor USA). 14

15. Adolescent brain development Source: ADF – Teenagers & Alcohol Fact Sheet 1

16. Five Things to Know About Adolescent Brain Development & Substance Use The brain's "front end," the part above the eyes, exists to slow us down or stop our impulsive behaviours. This front part of the brain is still developing connections to the rest of the brain until adulthood. Drugs of abuse are often available to adolescents. The two drugs that cause the most death are also the most available drugs: tobacco and alcohol. Heavy drug use during times of critical brain development may cause permanent changes in the way the brain works and responds to rewards and consequences. Reference by Thomas J. Crowley, M.D. and Elizabeth Whitmore, Ph.D.Thomas J. Crowley, M.D.Elizabeth Whitmore, Ph.D. HBO.com - 2009 16

17. Alcohol & The Adolescent Brain

19. Adolescence is a socially-defined phase of life (peer groups become extremely important) Adolescence is also a period of rapid yet uneven development in three interrelated areas: –Biological: rate of growth and development is second only to infancy –Psychological: requires changes in personality organisation to cope with the surge in maturation –Social: a period of major social transition from childhood to adulthood, which involves changes in roles, rights and expectations of others.

20. Three Sub-phases of Adolescence: Early adolescence (10-13) – accepting his/her growing and changing body Middle adolescence (14-16) – separating from the parents and authority figures Late adolescence (17-21) – seeking intimate relationships and acquisition of a permanent identity

21. What parents can do Be a part of their lives Make sure you set an example (be a role model) Provide consistent & fair boundaries Be informed about drugs Choose an appropriate time to talk Be calm Avoid conflict

22. What Parents can do cont... Have open & honest conversations Use open ended questions & listen carefully Respect your teenager’s privacy Support & encourage positive behaviour

23. AOD Support Services Specialist services for young people and other groups with particular needs Drug withdrawal services Counselling and support services Community-based treatment services Provision of training for health professionals Development of community education and information strategy

24. Framework for Service Delivery

25. How do people access MH services? Referral, ACSO, CREDIT, GP, mental health service, etc Through the Duty Worker Through other agencies that have a relationship with MH

26. Support contacts DirectLine Family Drug Help – 1300 660 068

28. CONTACT DETAILS 2009©UnitingCare Moreland Hall This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from UnitingCare Moreland Hall. Requests and enquiries should be addressed to: Manager – Education & Training Unit UnitingCare Moreland Hall 26 Jessie Street Moreland VIC 3058 Ph: (03) 9386 2876 Kate Constance - 9384 8836 Kerstin Hinrichsen– 9384 8841