In the recently published drug policy letter from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport to the House of Representatives, the ministry describes the ways in which it further wants to reduce drug use in the Netherlands. One of the ways mentioned is ‘an innovative approach to prevent young people from starting to use drugs’.
In this context, the Trimbos Institute has started a research and development process. The aim is to encourage non-use of drugs and postpone or prevent the moment of first use.
Preliminary research
The first step is to determine which factors are associated with not using drugs and with (the temptation to) use drugs for the first time. The Trimbos Institute is therefore currently conducting preliminary research consisting of a literature review.
After this review, information from the target group—young people with and without first-hand experience of using drugs—will play an important role in determining which factors are decisive in (not) starting to use drugs.
For example, young people who do not use drugs but who do come into contact with drugs while going out are currently being invited to share their experiences. In addition, the Trimbos Institute is consulting experts in drug prevention.
Concept interventions
A unique part of this project is the extensive development and testing phase that follows the preliminary research. The Trimbos Institute is developing several concept interventions, which it is testing on young people.
Based on the results, the Trimbos Institute will decide whether, and if so which, intervention is suitable for further development. The preliminary research, development and testing of the concept interventions will take a maximum of 2.5 years. It is important that after these phases, further development of the concept is combined with a pilot study to examine the implementation and effectiveness of the intervention.