The project aims to create awareness of substance use prevention. Through the establishment of the Baltic & Swedish Network for Prevention, regional cooperation will be encouraged. The network will be dedicated to developing a sustainable Awareness Raising Concept for stakeholders and the community through annual Prevention Days.
Research shows that substance use among youth, including alcohol and illicit substances, can have serious implications. An increase in use has been seen globally due to normalisation – a decreased perception of risks. The Baltic States face similar challenges with increased use of substances among youth.
Prevention is inexpensive as well as accessible. Research has shown that for every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten dollars can be saved in future health, crime, and social costs.
The project will arrange workshops and a study visit for policymakers and specialists to highlight prevention throughout the year. The workshops will strengthen capacities while providing the opportunity for participants to develop a policy recommendation draft on prevention. The workshops will also integrate the voices of the youth as they are directly affected by the decreased perception of risk and increased use of substances.