Recognizing that the problem stems from the user, WAY works to provide information and alternatives leading to a responsible decision on the part of youth regarding their consumption. Introduction Over 2.5 billion persons, or 53 per cent of the world population, are under the age of 25.
Young persons are particularly susceptible to illicit drugs.
Youth represents a period of curiosity, experimentation and learning that is essential and rewarding but also has its disadvantages for future development. It is in the formative years that the inquisitive and explorative nature of the young may lead them to drug misuse. Such misuse is on the rise, and the age of initiation into the drug scene is becoming progressively lower. Youth organizations world wide are reporting that Governments and national and international agencies are currently devoting disproportionately more attention to the supply side of the drug abuse problem. Demand reduction is receiving little attention, and information, education and, thus, motivation programmes are severely limited in a number of countries.