The Illicit Project

The Illicit Project was developed by researchers based at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, the University of Sydney. The program development and trial were supported by Positive Choices to address the lack of evidence-based drug prevention programs for older adolescents.

This internet-delivered program comprises of three 35-minute online modules that focus on:

1. Alcohol and the developing brain.
2. MDMA, cannabis and harm reduction.
3. Mental health and wellbeing.

The workshops include:

• Cinematic, animated explainer videos.
• Interviews with neuroscientists and drug experts.
• Interviews with young people.
• Interactive activities to apply learnings.

Each module is summarised in a one-page handout that students can take home and keep for future reference. The program requires minimal teacher involvement, except for a short group debrief at the completion of each module.

The Illicit Project is a neuroscience-based alcohol and drug harm reduction program targeted at adolescents in Years 10 to 12. The program upskills young people in strategies to reduce the harms of alcohol and drug use and leverages positive psychology and neuroscience to engage adolescents in health promotion. Specifically, the program aims to:

• Upskill young people in strategies to reduce the short- and long-term harms of alcohol and drugs.
• Build understanding about stages of brain development during adolescence and young adulthood.
• Empower young people to protect and respect their brains during key developmental stages.
• Engage young people through peer role modelling so they can better navigate complex social situations.

The program was co-designed with young people, and a team of neuroscientists, mental health and substance use and public health experts at the Matilda Centre.

The Illicit Project is available in Australian secondary schools for $10 per student.

• Delayed onset of cannabis use (at 6 months follow up)
• Reduced MDMA/ecstasy use (at 6 months follow up)
• Improved knowledge, attitudes, and skills to reduce drug harms  (at 6 and 12 months follow up)
• Reduced prescription drug misuse (at 12 months follow up)

Benefits of The Illicit Project have been demonstrated in Australia in one randomised controlled trial, discussed in the below research papers: