ADDICTIONS ARE MORE THAN JUST DRUGS IN OUR SOCIETY. PREVENTION IS A MUST TO AVOID FAMILIAL, SOCIAL AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS! STRENGTHENING “GOOD FEELINGS” AND HAPPINESS ARE THE SOLUTION.
Addiction is a global crisis that knows no borders, causing immense mental and physical suffering, creating family tensions and community unrest, and even fueling corruption and conflict in many countries. Addiction is a global problem that can only be tackled through the joint efforts of all international organizations and all governments.
Our efforts are gaining momentum, with more than 1,500 NGOs globally endorsing the Oviedo Prevention Declaration, which calls for at least 25% of addiction policy budgets to be allocated to prevention – a stark contrast to current low rates in most countries.
YOUTH PREVENTION INFLUENCERS (YPI)
In Rotary there is a strong movement from international leadership to support mental health. One of RAG AP's most inspiring initiatives is the Youth Prevention Influencers program. By working with the UN in Vienna and the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives, we empower young people to have an impact in the fight against addiction. These youth are provided with credible information, effective strategies and practical tools to scale their efforts and make a lasting impact. The purpose of the program is to educate and engage the community of teens, including parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, health care providers and other community members, about the growing problem of addictions of all types, especially drug abuse prescribed substances. By providing these key individuals with the tools and knowledge they need, the YPI program aims to prevent teen prescription drug abuse and promote healthy choices. What sets this project apart is the involvement of professional prevention workers from specialized NGOs who provide training and ongoing support to our young influencers. Their expertise ensures that the prevention strategies are evidence-based and effective. Additionally, a local academic institute oversees the projects and provides valuable feedback to help the young influencers maximize their social impact.