Preventing addiction: the value of listening and participation

Wednesday 8 July 2026

There is one question that runs through every educational initiative aimed at young people: how do we create a space where they genuinely want to speak out?

Not because someone asks them to. Not to give the answers they think adults expect to hear. But to truly open up. To share their doubts, vulnerabilities, fears, dreams and contradictions, which all too often remain hidden behind silence, behind a screen or behind the feeling that no one is really willing to listen.

When we talk about addiction, the focus is almost always on substances, their effects and the consequences they can cause. Those who work with young people on a daily basis, however, know that the reality is far more complex. Behind certain choices may lie loneliness, a need to belong, difficulties in managing emotions, social pressures, insecurities or the desire to find one’s place in the world.

It is in response to this that Choose Life was launched – an initiative that has chosen to tackle the issue of addiction by going beyond the mere dimension of substance use, creating opportunities for discussion on what promotes well-being, strengthens a sense of belonging to a community and helps people develop confidence in their own abilities and choices.

The aim was not merely to impart knowledge about substances, but to foster key skills for everyday life, such as self-esteem, empathy, effective communication, critical thinking and emotional regulation. It is precisely these personal and interpersonal resources that represent one of the main protective factors against risky behaviour.

One of the most significant aspects of the initiative was the involvement of a diverse range of participants, fostering an ongoing dialogue between schools, universities, community organisations and the local area.

The first phase of the activities involved students from the Education Sciences, Pedagogical Sciences and Psychological Sciences programmes at the University of Palermo. Many of them were already involved in educational or social contexts, whilst others were preparing to become professionals in the sector.

Throughout the programme, topics such as risk and protective factors, youth participation, interculturalism, non-formal educational methodologies and the ethical dimensions of prevention were explored in depth. The activities alternated between theoretical and practical sessions, using role-play, peer learning, brainstorming and tools for collective reflection.

The aim was on the one hand, to provide useful tools for educational intervention; on the other, to encourage personal reflection on the relationship between vulnerability, wellbeing and the ability to support others on their journeys of personal growth.

Alongside university-level training, Choose Life also directly involved secondary school pupils.

A significant first step was participation in Student Week at the Liceo Regina Margherita in Palermo, during which over a hundred pupils had the opportunity to discuss issues of wellbeing, prevention and participation.

The use of participatory digital tools made it possible to collect questions, opinions and reflections immediately and anonymously, fostering an open and inclusive dialogue.

Subsequently, two classes from the Francesco Ferrara Institute took part in a more in-depth programme focusing on emotional awareness, personal identity, relationships and social pressures. Through creative activities, guided discussions and role-plays, the participants reflected on the meaning of vulnerability, stereotypes, wellbeing and collective responsibility.

Rather than offering ready-made answers, the sessions sought to prompt questions, encouraging young people to develop greater self-awareness and a more critical understanding of the world around them.

One of the most striking findings concerned the value of the methodologies adopted. The facilitators prioritised non-formal and experiential approaches, based on the active participation of the young people. Role-play, artistic activities, storytelling, images, Dixit cards, group work and circle discussions transformed each session into an opportunity for shared learning.

These tools proved particularly effective in addressing sensitive issues. Talking about addictions, emotional distress or personal vulnerabilities is not always easy, especially in traditional school settings. Participatory methods, on the other hand, encouraged the sharing of experiences, emotions and perspectives that would scarcely have come to the fore through a traditional lecture.

Among the most significant lessons to emerge from the experience is the confirmation of just how much young people feel the need for spaces for genuine dialogue. Participants showed a strong willingness to share personal reflections when they felt they were in a welcoming and non-judgemental environment.

The discussion frequently touched on topics such as managing emotions, relationship difficulties, social expectations and everyday pressures, highlighting how psychological and relational wellbeing is a central element in prevention programmes.

This experience has reinforced a shared understanding: prevention cannot be reduced to the mere dissemination of information. Promoting wellbeing also means creating environments in which everyone can express their doubts, fears and vulnerabilities without fear of being judged.

The results gathered at the end of the activities show an increase in awareness of risky behaviours, a strengthening of interpersonal and communication skills, and a greater capacity for critical reflection.

Perhaps the educational challenge lies precisely here. Not merely in the numbers – however significant – of the people involved or the activities carried out, but in the quality of the relationships that take shape along the way. In a society where youth distress is taking on increasingly complex forms, we must continue to create spaces where we can ask the right questions together.

Because the most effective prevention does not stem from fear, but from listening, from trust and from the conviction that every young person needs, first and foremost, someone willing to walk alongside them.

Don’t want to miss out on the Choose Life project’s upcoming activities and opportunities?

Follow us on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or visit the project sheet to find out more about the project, access the available resources and stay up to date with future initiatives, or contact: mario.badagliacca@cesie.org

About Choose Life

Choose-Life – Implementing a drug-(ab)use prevention program & shaping youth policies with disadvantaged young people for psychosocial well-being promotion is financed by Erasmus+ programme, KA3 – Support to policy development and cooperation – European Youth Together (2021-2027).