Until now, prevention activities as we shape them in the Netherlands have broadly focused on two groups: people who use drugs (and/or alcohol) and people who do not. This distinction fails to do justice to the considerable differences between people. For example, expectations and experiences vary, and the social environment influences alcohol and drug use.

From two to nine groups

The personas developed specifically focus on these factors. As a result, the internal differences within the groups of ‘users’ and ‘non-users’ become clear. By taking these differences between the personas into account, we have a better understanding of which approach best meets the needs of different types of young people who do or do not use drugs. View the guide here.

Thousands of young people surveyed

The Trimbos Institute developed the personas - commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport - based on existing literature and extensive research among thousands of young people and nearly one hundred professionals. Interviews, online questionnaires and input from hundreds of students at Utrecht University were used.

The personas address the positive and negative expectations that young people have about drug and alcohol use. They also take into account how much they use, the (social) setting of use, the intention to cut down or stop, and the risk of problematic use.

In the video on this page, you can see how the personas were developed.

From persona to intervention

Professionals can use the personas as tools when developing interventions and policies. They also provide support during conversations with parents, young people themselves or among professionals. This includes discussions about risk profiles and offering different treatments. In addition, for each persona developed, we provide suggestions about the risks that can be expected and which interventions are most appropriate.

It should be noted that, by developing the personas, we are not attempting to provide a complete or comprehensive picture of all types of alcohol or drug users. Since they are guidelines, a young person may identify with multiple personas. Or, over time, may identify more with another persona, or may not immediately recognise themselves – or may recognise themselves only partially – in any of the personas. View the final report here.

The nine personas

The nine personas are briefly listed below. Read the guide here, in which the personas are described in full.

  • The non-user has mainly negative expectations of using alcohol and drugs, rarely or never comes into contact with alcohol or drugs, and does not want to drink or use drugs.
  • The controlled alcohol user sometimes drinks alcohol, but does not want to get drunk and does not use drugs. The controlled alcohol user likes to remain in control.
  • The social alcohol user drinks in order to get drunk with friends and have adventures. This can lead to transgressive behaviour and incidents. This person does not want to cut down but expects to do so in a subsequent stage of life.
  • The drug initiator is inexperienced and curious and would like to try drugs. A lack of knowledge can pose a risk.
  • The social alcohol and drug user like the social alcohol user, pushes boundaries together with friends. The aim is to have adventures together. This can lead to transgressive behaviour and incidents. This person does not want to cut down but expects to do so in a subsequent stage of life.
  • The stimulating drug user uses drugs not for socialising, but for their stimulating effect. For example, to have more energy or to focus better during work or study.
  • The mind-expanding drug user uses substances such as 2-CB, ketamine and truffles, but also cannabis, to perceive the world in a different way or to gain insights.
  • The coping-driven user uses drugs to avoid (temporarily) feeling negative emotions such as sadness, fear or stress. Young people who use drugs for this reason are more likely to develop problematic use and find it more difficult to stop or cut down.
  • The quitter has used drugs or alcohol problematically in the recent past and has now consciously stopped or wants to stop. Staying stopped can be a lengthy and difficult process.