What does it involve?
The Illicit Project is comprised of 3 x 35-minute classroom sessions delivered via the Internet. The programme requires minimal teacher involvement, with the exception of a short group debrief at the completion of each of the three online modules.
Alcohol and the Developing Brain
- Examine what makes the adolescent brain different to an adult’s brain
- Understand alcohol’s journey in the body and what leads to intoxication
- Engage young people in critical analysis around how many young people really drink
- Reducing the harms of alcohol
- Appreciate the power of neuroplasticity and how to play to the strengths of the developing brain
Illegal Drugs
- Define society’s perception of danger as risk to the individual, and risk to society
- Explore the short and long-term impact of cannabis on the brain
- Examine drug-related deaths at festivals
- Learn the set, setting and drug framework
- Reducing harm and promoting help-seeking
Drug Use and Mental Health
- Investigate factors that influence addictive behaviour
- Explore the underlying reasons behind repeated substance use
- Navigate mental health situations including how to support friends going through tough times
Our approach
Neuroscience-Based
TIP-UK teaches young people about the developing brain and uses positive psychology to empower students to respect, protect and grow their brains during these critical stages of development.
Keeping Safe
The skills focus on showing how young people can identify signs of harm and intervene early, helping to keep themselves and their friends safe.
Peer Led
Peer role modelling helps to correct inflated perceptions of peer substance use, promote healthy relationships and empower young people to navigate complex social situations.
Expert Review
Expert drug and alcohol researchers help add credibility to the science of TIP-UK and convey complex health messages without judgement.
Programme Effects
The Illicit Project was previously formally evaluated in a large clinical trial with 950 secondary students in Sydney, Australia. Students aged 16–18 years experienced the following benefits after completing the programme:
Alcohol Harm
Reduced short & long term alcohol harms
Binge Drinking
Reduced weekly binge drinking
Early Cannabis Use
Delayed onset of cannabis use
MDMA Use
Reduced MDMA/ecstasy use among school students
Nicotine Use
Reduced smoking and/or vape use
Drug Literacy
Improved knowledge, attitudes & skills to reduce drug harms
Publications
An on-line school-based substance use harm reduction programme: The Illicit Project randomized controlled trial results
Debenham, J., Birrell, L., Champion, K.E., & Newton, N. (2024). Addiction. — Clinical trial results at 12 months post programme delivery with 950 secondary students in Sydney, Australia.
Read the 2024 Article in Addiction