Think you know what everyone your age is doing? Think again. Social media, parties, music and movies can make drinking, vaping and drug use seem like they're just a normal part of growing up. But when you look at the actual numbers, the picture is a lot more complicated. Here are some of the stats about Australia that might surprise you. 👇 🚬 Plot twist: Australians don't smoke as much as you might think You might assume smoking is still super common. Actually, Australia has

The Australian Government tells us that it wants to protect young people from the harms of vaping and nicotine dependence. Given that vapes attract many young people, we want to ensure that the best prevention strategies are actually being carried out across the country. What is the history to date? In 2024, the law changed so that all vapes and vaping products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not, can only be sold in a pharmacy for the purpose of helping peopl

As the National Drug Strategy 2017–2026 draws to a close, fresh data paints a sobering picture of Australia's drug landscape. Wastewater analysis reveals that methamphetamine use has almost doubled in a decade, reaching unprecedented levels in 2025. Australians consumed record amounts of this destructive stimulant, cementing our place as one of the world's heaviest users. Families are bearing the brunt—lost loved ones to addiction, shattered communities, and rising overdose d

Drug use remains a significant challenge worldwide, especially among young people searching for ways to cope with stress, peer pressure, or emotional struggles. Yet, engaging in sports and community activities offers a powerful alternative that can reduce the desire to turn to drugs. This effect goes beyond social benefits; it involves important hormonal changes that influence mood, motivation, and decision-making. Understanding how sport and community involvement affect horm

Australia faces ongoing challenges with drug use among its youth, and the government is preparing to update its drug prevention strategy for 2026. This new approach aims to address emerging trends, improve community engagement, and reduce harm through evidence-based methods. Understanding these future trends helps young people, educators, and communities prepare for changes that could impact health and wellbeing. Shifting Focus to Early Education and Awareness One key trend i

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and time with friends and family. But it can also bring challenges, especially for young people trying to stay safe and make healthy choices. Parties, social events, and the excitement of the season sometimes lead to pressure around drugs and alcohol. Read on for some practical tips to help you stay safe, feel confident, and keep your holiday season positive and healthy. Understand Your Boundaries and Stick to Them Knowing your limi

There are moments when advocacy moves beyond policy — when it becomes a voice for those who have been silenced. This month, Dianova International brought such a voice to the world stage. At the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 60th Session , Dianova submitted a powerful statement with a simple but urgent truth: Addiction and mental health are not just health issues — they are human rights imperatives. The Story Behind the Statement For countless women and girls around t

There's no denying we need to safe guard and prevent drug use but is Pill Testing really the answer? We say NO! Here's why... Testing...

BREAKING THE CYCLE - WHAT CAN BE DONE? Addressing the issue of drugs and family violence requires a multifaceted approach. No single...

Peer pressure is a real risk factor for drug use, including alcohol use, among both children and adults. Here are some facts: A person...

In today’s fast-paced world, energy drinks have become a popular go-to for young people seeking a quick boost. Flashy marketing campaigns...

Today's blog is brought to you by Eva - a young high school student who is applying to be a Youth Prevention Influencer. We're confident...

We live in a world now full of influencers. Not all who push beneficial things. And while we all have a responsibility to make good...

Vaping has surged in popularity as an alternative to traditional smoking. Many people see it as a trendy and potentially safer way to...

The holidays are about joy, connection, and celebrating life’s blessings—not about risking your health or future. By staying drug-safe,...

In a world filled with challenges and pressures, especially for young people, there’s often a temptation to seek out quick fixes and ways...

Drug addiction is much harder to heal from than people realise. The statement 'prevention is better than cure' really does apply! Long...

The Youth Prevention Influncers (YPI) program is a project of the Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention ( www.rag-ap.org ) that...

Put simply, good role models rub off in all the right ways. It's important to surround yourself with the right kind of influence from...