Stigma, judgment, and misinformation are formidable obstacles preventing young people and their families from seeking help for drug and alcohol addiction. At Sir David Martin Foundation, we aim to dismantle these barriers and empower our youth to take the first step towards recovery.
The stark reality is that substance addiction remains the world’s most stigmatised health condition, according to the World Health Organization. In Australia, one-third of those struggling with problematic alcohol and drug use never seek help, with an alarming 38% of this group under 30 years old.
Despite the enormous social cost of harmful substance use, Australia’s investment in addiction treatment remains disproportionately small. We’re committed to changing this narrative through powerful advocacy that raises awareness and destigmatises youth addiction across our nation.
Our goal is provide safety, hope, and opportunity to young people in crisis. To this end, we are fierce advocates for their dignity and rights, championing societal change to foster greater support and compassion for all youth experiencing substance misuse.
As leaders in this space, we’re sparking crucial conversations and challenging misconceptions about youth addiction, through strategic sector partnerships and impactful awareness campaigns.
Together, we can create a more understanding, supportive society where every young person feels empowered to seek the help they need and deserve.
