Vic: Drugs program launched for young slow learners

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2000
Vic: Drugs program launched for young slow learners

The Australian Drug Foundation says young people with learning disabilities aren't
immune from drugs and many fail to understand the destructive consequences of getting
hooked.

The foundation has launched a drug education program for young people aged 14 to 18
who have a mild intellectual disability or learning difficulty.

Program author CAROLINE BUI says low self-esteem and a desire for acceptance make disabled
youths more vulnerable to alcohol and cigarettes.

And she says drug abuse can soon lead to undesired sexual or violent situations.

Ms BUI says low skills in literacy, numeracy, memory and personal communication render
slow learners vulnerable to drugs and other people.

She says the most common drugs used by disabled students are alcohol and cigarettes.

AAP tsc/er/gmw/smfh

KEYWORD: ABUSE MELBOURNE

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