Alcohol, cannabis and amphetamine-type stimulants use among young Pacific Islanders

Introduction and Aims. There are many factors that impact substance use in young people in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). However, the extent and nature of substance use by young people in the PICTs is not clear because of a lack of data on this group. Design and Methods. A desk-based review (including both white and grey literature) was conducted to explore substance use among young people in the Western Pacific region. This paper presents findings from the PICTs. Results. Prevalence of alcohol, cannabis and amphetamine-type stimulants use by young people is reported from various sources-primarily based on data derived from the Youth Risk Behaviour and the Second Generation Behaviour Surveillance Surveys. Discussion and Conclusion. There appear to be evidence of risky alcohol consumption and higher levels of cannabis and amphetamine-type stimulants use in some PICTs compared with Australia and New Zealand. However, data are generally unavailable to establish any trends. Regular, reliable and routine monitoring of patterns and trends in substance use among young people in the PICTs can assist in identifying concerns and developing evidence-informed interventions to prevent, contain and treat current and any emerging issues. [Howard J, Ali H, Robins L. Alcohol, cannabis and amphetamine-type stimulants use among young Pacific Islanders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30;104-110].