How to end it

Children and adolescents abuse drugs and substances  by choice or by force  for many, complex, inter-related reasons. So, to end substance abuse, we first need to understand the systems, norms, and behaviours that drive it, and what works to stop it in different contexts.

We will make faster, longer-lasting change if we listen to those affected by drug abuse and work across sectors and with diverse stakeholders at all levels to end the crisis. This work needs to be trauma-informed and youth-centered.

Young people  in all their diversity  must be at the centre of solutions to end drug and substance abuse. Families and communities must be engaged in transforming the harmful social norms and risk factors that lead to addiction. By working together, we can create healthier, safer environments that allow youth to thrive and make positive choices.

To make changes at scale, international bodies, governments, and political, education, and faith leaders need to come together and commit to putting prevention, care, and recovery into action globally. This means building inclusive, evidence-based policies which go beyond banning substances, and targeting investments and programming to strengthen prevention, build youth resilience, and provide care. It also means ensuring access to quality education, mental health services, safe community spaces, responsive social support systems, and opportunities for meaningful employment. Current funding and support is nowhere near enough to match the scale of drug and substance abuse worldwide.

This is why our member organisations and partners collaborate with a wide range of individuals, institutions, and movements to transform young lives. To learn more about how we work together, or to connect with an organisation active in your area, explore Our Partnership pages.

Find out more about the drivers of substance abuse, sector-specific solutions, advocacy efforts, and pathways to healthy communities through our Learning & Resources pages.