Dear *|FNAME|*,
Welcome to another quarterly issue of the Positive Choices newsletter, where we share evidence-based resources to help teachers, educators and health professionals talk to young people about drugs and alcohol.
In this edition, you'll find details about our upcoming webinar which delves into the challenge of nicotine pouches facing school communities. We've also featured our latest blog post looking at recent trends in ketamine use among Australian youth, plus plenty more!
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Did you know that you can follow Positive Choices on Facebook, X and now LinkedIn? Stay up-to-date on the latest research, evidence-based drug education resources and prevention programs, as well as relevant news and events. Find our social media pages below:
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NEW WEBINAR ABOUT NICOTINE POUCHES!
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Nicotine pouch use among young Australians has risen. Are nicotine pouches yet another example of tobacco companies adapting and changing their products to reach new markets? And what impact is this having on young people?
Register now for our free webinar on Wednesday 5th August at 12pm Sydney time!
Presented by Emily Jenkinson and Ciara Madigan from the Tobacco Control Unit at Cancer Council NSW, as well as Lauren Kinsella (Senior Project Officer for NSW Health), in this 1-hour-session they will cover:
- An overview of nicotine pouches
- Recent findings from Generation Vape revealing trends in use among Australian youth
- How these findings informed the development, promotion and launch of nicotine pouches factsheets for NSW Health
- Practical tips for school communities
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RECENT HIGHLIGHT FROM US...
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You may have recently seen or heard about ketamine in the media for more reasons than one – from its newly government-subsidised use for treatment-resistant depression, to reports of rising non-prescribed use at music events. But what does the evidence actually tell us?
Our latest blog post reveals what you need to know about current trends in ketamine use among young people, including:
- The difference between prescribed and non-prescribed use
- Short and long-term effects + potential harms like urinary tract damage
- The added risks of combining ketamine with alcohol and other drugs
- Why illegally obtained ketamine may not actually be ketamine
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RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
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Why do young people use drugs and alcohol?
Knowing the pressures that young people face can give adults a better understanding of why young people may use drugs and alcohol. This factsheet shares some of the common reasons young people give for using drugs and alcohol + tips for how to respond in a constructive way.
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Behind the News High: Teenage smoking rates
Australia has one of the world's lowest smoking rates, but could this progress be at risk? This new video explores youth smoking rates, the illegal tobacco market, and the link with vaping. Featuring interviews with experts and young people. Share it with your students.
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Drugs A to Z Factsheet: Ketamine
Ever heard of terms like "K-hole" and "K-cramps"? Check out our recently updated factsheet to learn about these, plus other immediate and long term effects of ketamine use. You'll also find a helpful summary on what is ketamine, how it is used + more!
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Recommended Program: Aussie Optimism
Want to improve your student's mental health and wellbeing? Aussie Optimism offers a range of classroom programs to help teachers build resilience among students from Kindergarten to Year 8, while reducing their likelihood of alcohol and tobacco use. Access it here.
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RESOURCES FOR ABORIGINAL AND
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COMMUNITIES
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Interested in an interactive tool to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students understand how alcohol affects the body? Check out this free, online resource developed by Strong Spirit Strong Mind – a program of the Mental Health Commission of Western Australia. Students can select different parts of the human body and learn how alcohol affects each one – both in the short and long term. Use it in your next class.
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Generation Vape report: Turning the Tide on NSW Teen Vaping. Recent findings from Generation Vape suggest that youth vaping is declining in NSW. In October 2025, 88% of teens reported little or no use. Rates of heavy vaping also fell, however, ease-of-access still remains a concern. Read the full report here.
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The aim of this e-newsletter is to provide our subscribers with information about drug prevention resources, and to share relevant news and events.
Please help us spread the word by forwarding this newsletter to teachers and educators within your networks, as well as health professionals interested in drug prevention for young people, and encourage them to subscribe here.
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