Substance prevention in Sami areas – altaposten.no
As 1. Candidate in the Northern constituency from the Center Party, I am concerned about increasing drug use among youth and warn against normalization and decriminalization of drugs in society.
Clear norms, together with an increased risk of being taken for drug use, will help counteract this development. At the same time, we must emphasize alternative forms of reaction for youth. Especially in matters relating to the use and possession of small amounts of drugs, individual follow -up plans, concern conversations and intoxicants can be used.
Prevention of intoxication among young people, especially in Sami areas, says Mikkola, requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account both general and culturally sensitive factors. Better knowledge is needed about which factors affect drug use in different Sami cultures.
Strengthening Sami identity and culture is part of the preventive work on intoxication. Sports and outdoor life give mastery and unity. Promoting Sami music, joik and art can give young people an arena for self -expression and fellowship. Increased access to relevant educational programs and job opportunities in Sami areas can reduce both outsiders and relocation.
Strengthening Sami language both by learning the language and acceptance that not all Sami master the language equally well. It is important that schools teach history that include all Sami cultures to give young people a stronger self -esteem and prevent outsiders.
Preventive work must be located and should be rooted in the environments that young people live in. This can be done with collaboration between schools, health services, Sami organizations, voluntary organizations and the Sami Parliament. Parental guidance can also be important. Many parents in Sami communities feel that their children face pressure from both the larger community and Sami traditions.
Through various measures, the focus must be to be able to detect the risk of outsiders, mental challenges and the risk of substance abuse with the help of health nurses, teachers and youth workers, who have been trained in capturing signs of substance abuse and dissatisfaction.
