Sedqa today launched its new campaign against recreational drug and alcohol use to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The launch was held at City Gate Valletta where a number of young people participated in break-dancing, animation, judo and stilt-walking ,symbolizing the campaign's message that young people can have fun without drugs.

Among the young participants was Christian Scerri, the leader of the break-dancers, who trains over 90 young people. He explained that he and his friends go to Paceville to dance till they drop and prefer to drink energy drinks than alcohol.

Sedqa Operations Officer Jean Claude Cardona said the new adverts aim to show the immediate effects of alcohol abuse including vomiting and getting into dangerous situations.

"The cartoon format tones down the level of shock treatment, but still brings the message home that drinking irresponsibly is dangerous, not cool," he said.

He said Sedqa promoted activities like judo and break-dancing to give young people an alternative to drinking and taking drugs. Training courses are also being organised to teach young people how to make "mocktails", non-alcoholic cocktails, in order to use peer pressure against alcohol abuse.

Joe Gerada, Sedqa Chief Executive Officer, said it was not only Sedqa which should create awareness but it was also the responsibility of parents and the educational system. Sedqa is calling for the legal drinking age to be raised from 16 to 18, and for television and radio advertising to be limited when it comes to alcohol.