In this episode of Pathways to Prevention, host Dave Closson welcomes inspiring young leaders from across Asia who recently attended the 11th Asian Youth Forum, organized by the Fourth Wave Foundation. The event brought together youth from diverse countries, including Bhutan, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, to address pressing issues like mental health, substance use prevention, and community resilience.

Throughout the episode, these passionate youth leaders share their unique experiences at the forum, discussing what motivated them to attend, how the sessions shaped their views, and what they plan to take back to their communities. They explore the concept of the “prevention influencer,” emphasizing the role of youth in creating positive change and how peer-led initiatives can make prevention efforts more relatable and impactful.

Listeners will hear deeply personal reflections on substance use, leadership, and the importance of cross-cultural collaboration. The episode concludes with these young influencers sharing their upcoming projects, including founding student societies, launching awareness programs, and fostering ongoing partnerships for prevention.

Key Highlights:

• Jigme (Bhutan) discusses the powerful shift in his perception of substance use, learning that people who use substances are victims of their circumstances and deserve empathy and support.
• Shine (India) shares how the forum transformed her views on substance use, helping her develop empathy and awareness. She highlights the need to challenge stigma and redefine what it means to be “cool.”
• Nories (Malaysia) reflects on the importance of using social media to spread prevention messages, particularly around the rise of mushroom vaping among youth in Malaysia.
• Vinay (India) emphasizes the shared challenges faced by communities and the power of collaborative, cross-cultural problem-solving.
• Senuri (Sri Lanka) shares how the forum inspired her to launch a new student society focused on substance use prevention at her university.
• Huy (Vietnam) shares his experience with vulnerable communities affected by substance use and emphasizes the importance of using social media as a tool for prevention influencers.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—we are the leaders of today.” – Jigme
• “To prevent, we need to show love and provide distractions like sports and community events.” – Nories
• “The key to prevention is empathy, not sympathy. We need to see people as humans first.” – Vinay
• “As youth, we stand as your partners in prevention.” – Senuri

Episode Links:

• https://www.fourthwavefoundation.org/
• https://www.fourthwavefoundation.org/11th-asian-youth-forum/
• https://www.facebook.com/fourthwavefoundation/
• https://www.instagram.com/projectvenda/
• https://www.youtube.com/c/FourthWaveFoundation

Drug Free America Foundation Links:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Twitter

In this special episode of the Pathways 2 Podcast, recorded live at the National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference, we bring you two insightful conversations with leaders who are making a significant impact in the field of prevention.

First, we sit down with Ben Stevenson, who oversees prevention and harm reduction services for Montgomery County, Maryland, and also runs his own consulting firm, Bess Consulting LLC. Ben shares his innovative approach to integrating youth empowerment with harm reduction, his journey in building a successful Youth Ambassador Program, and the challenges of overcoming stigma and navigating county government to drive meaningful change.

Next, we hear from Steve Miller, a prevention champion, podcaster, and man in long-term recovery. Steve takes us through his personal and professional journey, highlighting the powerful role music has played in his recovery and prevention work. He discusses how music serves as a muse, guiding his work and helping others find their path in prevention.

Whether you’re a prevention professional, a community leader, or simply interested in stories of resilience and innovation, this episode is packed with practical insights, inspiration, and a deep dive into what it takes to make a lasting impact in our communities.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of youth-led initiatives in prevention and harm reduction.
• Strategies for overcoming stigma and building community buy-in.
• How music can influence behavior and serve as a tool for prevention.
• The importance of perseverance and adapting strategies to meet community needs.

Drug-Free America Foundation Links:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Twitter

In this episode of the Pathways 2 Prevention podcast, we explore the critical role of international cooperation in drug abuse prevention with Branislava, a dedicated advocate from Serbia. Branislava shares her journey from law school to making a significant impact on drug policy and international collaboration. She provides a unique perspective on how listening, collaboration, and a multidisciplinary approach can drive meaningful change in the fight against drug abuse.

Key Takeaways

• Branislava's Background: Learn about Branislava's transition from law to drug policy and her motivation to make a difference in this field.
• International Cooperation: Discover the importance of international cooperation in combating drug abuse and the successes and challenges faced by Serbia.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Understand how a multidisciplinary approach involving various stakeholders can enhance prevention and recovery efforts.
• Projects and Initiatives: Gain insights into specific projects like the "I Choose Recovery" project and the role of therapeutic communities in Serbia.
• Future Goals: Hear about the future goals of Serbia's Office for Combating Drugs, including the creation of more multidisciplinary teams and local strategies for drug abuse prevention.

Episode Quotes

• "You need to love what you do in order for you to do it as best as you can." – Branislava
• "Prevention is better together. Recovery is better together. Together is better." – Branislava
• "The more prevention you have, the less recovery you will need." – Branislava

Webinar Highlight

If you missed our recent webinar featuring Dr. Roneet Lev, an expert in emergency and addiction medicine, you can watch the recording and access all the resources here. Dr. Lev shares real-life case reports from the emergency department, including cases involving pregnant patients, and brings a wealth of experience from her notable career. Don’t miss this invaluable resource!

Resources and Links

• Webinar Recording
• Recovery Cities

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