Lions Quest and Prevention
Protecting Young Minds from Substance Use
As children transition from primary to secondary school during early adolescence, they encounter new and challenging social and academic situations. This period is critical, as the teenage brain is still developing and is particularly vulnerable to substance use. Early substance use significantly increases the risk of developing substance use disorders.
Harmful drinking among young people is a growing concern globally. In low- and middle-income countries, 14% of adolescent girls and 18% of boys aged 13–15 years reportedly use alcohol. Additionally, a lack of quality education and poor classroom management can lead to lower cognitive functioning, poor social skills, high stress levels, and a heightened sense of inadequacy—all factors that contribute to the risk of substance use.
Lions Quest programs provide a comprehensive approach to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) prevention. By helping young people understand why their peers may take risks with drugs and alcohol, Lions Quest equips them with the refusal skills and healthy alternatives needed to maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
Lions Quest and UNODC: A Global Partnership for Youth Drug Prevention
Since 2014, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to bring the Lions Quest program to communities worldwide. As an evidence-based drug prevention program, Lions Quest strengthens social and emotional competencies to support families, schools, and communities in guiding youth safely and healthily into adulthood.
LCIF has invested over US$2 million since 2014 to launch pilot programs in eight countries, with UNODC and local governments contributing similar amounts. Independent research confirms that this LCIF-UNODC collaboration has effectively reduced alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use among youth.