Drug and Alcohol Education Student Sessions

The Drug Education Project offers dynamic, practical, and age-appropriate sessions designed to tackle the very real issues young people face today around alcohol and other drug use.

We know that scare tactics don’t work—so we take a different approach. Our sessions are honest, engaging, and empowering, built on the belief that when students are given accurate information and practical strategies, they’re better equipped to make smart decisions and look out for themselves and their friends.

Throughout the session, we promote positive social norms—the idea that most young people actually make good choices—and give students tools they can use in real-life situations. From recognising signs of overdose to knowing how to safely respond in an emergency, we focus on harm minimisation without judgment or fear.

One of the key takeaways is our Alcohol & Drug Emergency Action Plan—a simple, clear guide students can use if they find themselves or a friend in trouble. Each student receives a business card-sized version to keep in their wallet or phone case, providing quick access to life-saving steps when it matters most.

Sessions are tailored by year level and cover:

• How alcohol and other drugs impact the developing teenage brain
• Current, up-to-date facts on the substances most statistically relevant to this age group — not scare statistics, just the real picture
• The understanding that drug and alcohol use is an individual choice that carries risk, and that young people have the right to make informed decisions about that risk
• Harm minimisation strategies that empower students to make safer choices for themselves and look out for their friends
• What a risky situation can look and feel like, so students learn to trust their own judgment and recognise warning signs early
• Building the confidence and comfort to reach out to a trusted adult, or call 000 for advice, direction, and support, when it's needed

Our sessions are fully interactive, encouraging open conversation and questions. We aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where students can learn, reflect, and develop their own strategies for staying safe. We want them to leave not only more informed, but more confident in their ability to act.

In a world where drug and alcohol-related harms are a growing concern, The Drug Education Project offers students real-world tools, reliable knowledge, and a sense of responsibility—for themselves and their communities.

Optional Feature – Add a Paramedic Perspective

For an even deeper understanding, schools have the option to add a paramedic to the session. Paramedics bring real-world experience to the conversation, sharing firsthand insights from their callouts, where they often assist young people dealing with drug and alcohol concerns. They’re happy to answer student questions, demonstrate how to handle situations, and provide advice based on their on-the-ground expertise. Paramedics are incredibly engaging, and students often ask about their career as well, which they are always eager to discuss.