This is well meaning and misdirected. Awareness will have little to no impact on drug use. Primary prevention of drug use, not a goal I endorse, and primary prevention of drug use disorder, which I do, is not easy. Evidence demonstrates that effective prevention requires several interventions through schools or families or both.

Jamie

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Youth lead anti-drug campaign in Yangon townships
Htike Nandar Win
Myanmar Times
Friday, 27 January 2017

Young volunteers are leading a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in four townships in Yangon.

“We have seen many social problems due to drug and alcohol abuse. Families are facing difficulties and unnecessary suffering. We want to change all this and this campaign is the first step,” said Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein when launching “Drug and Alcohol Facts Week” on January 22.

“This week-long period is very important for our youth,” said U Phyo Min Thein of the campaign which ends on January 29.

Volunteers will go to schools to speak to students and parents – in Thanlyin, Insein, Shwe Pyi Thar and Hlaing Tharyar townships – on the dangers of drugs and alcohol consumption.

“Previously, the government focused on the production, selling, carrying and consumption of drugs. This time the focus is on dangers of drug abuse,” U Phyo Min Thein said.

“The CCDAC [Central Committee For Drug Abuse Control Myanmar] decided that young people should lead the campaign as our target is the youth of the land,” he said.

“We want to heighten awareness among young people of the dangers of drugs. Parents should also know so they can keep an eye on their children. We hope people will also share information on social media,” said Ma Thu Zar Win, Association for Healthy Adolescent Development (AHEAD) program coordinator.

Posters and bill boards have been put up in public areas and pamphlets distributed. The campaign also involves 50 volunteers from the CCDAC, AHEAD, Teens & Dreams and UNICEF.

Police Major General Zaw Win said that instead of officers delivering speeches, it would be more effective if the young shared information on the dangers of drug abuse.

“This will be a more effective way to get the message across. The best investment is in our children. If we cannot wipe out the drug problem, it may bring about the downfall of our country. We need the support of everybody in this campaign,” said Pol Maj General Zaw Win.

http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/yangon/24730-youth-lead-anti-drug-campaign-in-yangon-townships.html