Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Youth: Motivational Tools for Harm Reduction

 Workshop Type: Introductory | Workshop Level: Four | Catering: Refreshments provided

Supporting young people experiencing alcohol and other drug issues requires a thoughtful, harm-reduction approach. In this workshop we’ll develop our skills and knowledge to identify problematic AOD use in rangatahi and learn how to respond with empathy and support. We'll explore how AOD use affects the developing brain and examine strategies for engaging and empowering young people, including motivational enhancement and brief intervention techniques. We’ll also build our knowledge of AOD support and treatment services available to youth in Canterbury. 

• Understand the prevalence of AOD use among rangatahi.
• Explore how AOD use affects the developing brain.
• Learn about harm reduction and how to provide effective drug education.
• Develop strategies for engaging and empowering rangatahi experiencing AOD issues.
• Learn how to apply motivational enhancement, screening, and brief intervention techniques.
• Build your knowledge of AOD support and treatment services for young people in Canterbury and how to access them.

Everyone working with young people who may be experiencing alcohol and other drug issues, including youth workers, school counsellors, social, care, and support workers, and those in frontline roles who want to build their skills to support rangatahi with AOD concerns using a harm reduction approach.

Facilitator Samantha Williams BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Professional and Policy Studies, Dip HE (RN) Mental Health
Samantha has worked in acute inpatients settings and set up the AOD Central Coordination Service after joining CADS. She now works as a private contractor in Primary Care and Canterbury Prisons. View full profile here.

“This workshop was well presented and had clear evidence-based info”
 - Community AOD Outreach Worker

“Being informed about how youth's determine risk vs reward, and the different organisations available for support were my main strengths.”
 -  Youth Coach

1. Working alongside tāngata whaiora

4. Working within communities

7. Maintaining learning and kamahi wellbeing

By registering online, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

• MHERC may reschedule or cancel a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient registrations. If this occurs, you may transfer to another date/workshop, receive a credit, or request a refund.
• Substitutions are free if you arrange a replacement participant.
• Cancellations more than 10 working days before a workshop will incur a $39 service fee; alternatively, we can transfer you to another date/workshop at no charge.
• Cancellations within 10 working days (or non-attendance) are non-refundable and charged in full. Transfers may be approved for extenuating circumstances and incur a $39 fee.