Addiction prevention with peers
The euro net activities are largely based on the peer group education approach. So-called peer groups are generally groups of people of the same age with similar interests and social status. Important processes concerning the development of young people take place in these reference groups. Peer groups are mostly formed spontaneously outside of institutional frameworks.
The peer approach in social work is based on the concept that young people are more likely to absorb messages about health promotion and lifestyle if they are conveyed by their peers. In the previous projects, euro net has mostly tested the behaviour-oriented peer approach. Here, trained peers interact within their social group and, through their own behaviour, provide an example for other group members to follow in shaping their own lives.
Peers should not act as 'addiction counsellors' or even as 'spies' within their groups. They are not responsible for problem situations or for solving them. Not only would this endanger their position of trust within the group, but it would also place too great a burden on the peers themselves.
german