Episode #178 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Inga Dora Sigfusdottir and Iceland's Prevention ModelEpisode #178 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Inga Dora Sigfusdottir and Iceland's Prevention Model
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
The headlines in 2017 was “Iceland knows how to stop teen substance use – but the rest of the world is not listening.” In 1997 – 40% of Iceland’s adolescents got drunk in the past 30 days, one of the highest teen alcohol problem in the world. After a national prevention program consistent over 20 years, the trend has been reversed to just 5%. A side effect of the program also measured decreased tobacco, cannabis, as well as decreased bulling, violence, theft, sexual abuse. What is Iceland secret? Inga Dóra Sigfúsdóttir Inga Dora Sigfusdottir is Professor and Founding Director of the Icelandic Centre for Social Research and Analysis at Reykjavik University, and Research Professor in Health and Behavior Studies at Teachers College, Columbia University. A sociologist, her research focuses on understanding how biological and social factors interact to influence the development of risky behavior among adolescents, including substance use, suicidal behavior, unprotected sex, self-inflicted harm, and delinquency. Dr. Sigfusdottir has been the Project Director in Iceland for the European School Survey Project of Alcohol and other Drugs and for the European Cities Against Drugs Youth in Europe Project. She is currently the Principal Investigator of a life course study funded by the European Research Council which is investigating the effects of stress on biology, emotion and behavior throughout childhood.
1:06:57•20 May 2024
Iceland's Secret to Reducing Teen Substance Abuse
Episode Overview
- Iceland reduced teen alcohol use from 40% to 5% in 20 years.
- Positive monitoring and emotional support are key components.
- Organised youth activities play a crucial role in prevention.
- Community involvement is essential for successful prevention.
- The model can be applied globally to combat youth substance abuse.
“Instead of trying to save them from drowning, just keep them from not being in danger of entering the water”
Ever wondered how an entire nation managed to turn around its teenage substance abuse crisis? In this episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Dr. Roneet Lev chats with Dr. Inga Dora Sigfusdottir about Iceland's revolutionary prevention model. Back in 1997, a staggering 40% of Icelandic teens reported getting drunk in the past month. Fast forward 20 years, and that number has plummeted to just 5%. How did they achieve such a dramatic shift? Dr.
Sigfusdottir, a sociology professor and the mastermind behind the initiative, shares the secrets behind this success. She explains how a combination of positive monitoring, emotional support, and community involvement can create a safer environment for young people. The episode dives into the importance of organised youth activities and the critical role of parents and communities in shaping healthy habits. Dr.
Sigfusdottir's approach is not about telling kids to 'just say no', but rather creating an environment where they don't feel the need to say 'yes'. This episode is packed with actionable insights and heartwarming stories that highlight the power of community-driven prevention strategies. Tune in to learn how these principles can be applied globally to combat substance abuse among youth. Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation – it might just inspire you to take action in your own community.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.