In Ireland, the Monaghan and Cavan Youth Substance Support (MaCYSS) initiative is making a meaningful impact by addressing alcohol and other drug use among young people aged 12 to 18. Delivered by Alcohol Forum Ireland in collaboration with the HSE, TULSA, and the NE Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, MaCYSS has been active since 2021 and is supported by HSE Social Inclusion. It blends clinical intervention with community development to prevent and reduce harm, offering help not just to young individuals but also their families.

The initiative takes a proactive approach to youth well-being, recognizing the influence alcohol can have on the adolescent brain. The adolescent years are a critical time for brain development, and alcohol can interfere with functions like memory, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Through school visits, MaCYSS educates young people about the science of brain development and the risks associated with early alcohol use, using both evidence-based resources and real-life conversations.

One of MaCYSS’s key tools is storytelling—like the powerful video that follows a group of young friends through their teenage years. As their paths begin to diverge, the influence of alcohol becomes clear in one boy’s life: missing school, drifting away from friends, and facing serious consequences. His friend’s concern leads to a gentle but honest conversation, suggesting MaCYSS as a support service and pointing to their Digital Hub as a place to get informed and reflect.

For parents, MaCYSS also provides tailored resources to help them understand the risks of alcohol in adolescence and to support early intervention. The parent guide developed by Alcohol Forum Ireland outlines practical ways to talk to teens, explains how alcohol affects the developing brain, and encourages families to seek support when needed.

Find more from https://www.macysshub.ie/ (Ireland, 2025)