Who is Paul Dillon? A Tireless Advocate for Youth Safety
For nearly three decades, Paul Dillon has been a leading voice in the conversation around youth drug and alcohol use in Australia. He is an educator, author, and social commentator whose work has had a profound impact on countless young lives, their families, and school communities across the nation.
Dillon is the founder and director of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, known widely as DARTA. This organization is dedicated to providing accurate, evidence-based information on substance use. His mission is simple yet powerful: to keep young people safe by empowering them with knowledge.
From Classroom to National Stage: The Origins of DARTA
Paul Dillon’s journey into drug education began in the classroom. As a former school teacher, he witnessed firsthand the challenges and questions young people faced regarding alcohol and drugs. This experience ignited a passion for providing clear, honest, and non-judgmental guidance.
He founded DARTA to fill a critical gap, moving beyond simple scare tactics to a more effective, research-backed approach. His philosophy centers on providing quality information and promoting best-practice drug education. This method has earned him respect in both educational and public health circles.
A Voice of Reason: Author, Podcaster, and Media Commentator
Paul Dillon’s influence extends far beyond the schoolyard. In 2009, he penned the best-selling book titled Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs. This vital resource for parents has since been published internationally and translated into several languages.
He continues to reach a wide audience through his popular podcast, The Real Deal on Drugs, and his insightful blog. Dillon is also a trusted social commentator, regularly appearing on Australian television programs like Sunrise, TODAY, and The Project to discuss topical issues related to youth substance use.
Changing the Culture: Dillon’s Impact on Youth Drinking Habits
One of the most significant aspects of Dillon’s career has been witnessing a major cultural shift in youth drinking. He has observed a remarkable increase in the number of non-drinking teenagers, a trend supported by national data.
Statistics show that the number of young people aged 12 to 17 who have never consumed alcohol grew from one in ten in 1999 to one in three by 2017. Dillon attributes this change in part to the rise of the designated driver culture, which has given non-drinking a new social value among young people.
This shift represents a fundamental change in how teenagers view alcohol consumption. Where once non-drinkers might have felt isolated or pressured, they now occupy a valued role within their social groups. They are the responsible ones, the caregivers, the ones who ensure everyone gets home safely.
Beyond the School Gates: A Global and Sporting Influence
Paul Dillon’s expertise is sought after not just in Australia, but around the world. He has presented workshops and training seminars in countries as diverse as the United Kingdom, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Indonesia. He has also served as a consultant for the United Nations, developing global youth training programs.
His work has also made a significant impact in the world of sports. He has collaborated with prestigious organizations like the Australian Institute of Sport, the Australian Cricketers Association, the Rugby Union Players’ Association, and Football Federation Australia. These partnerships have resulted in comprehensive alcohol and drug safety programs for athletes and coaches.
In the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Dillon worked with the Australian Institute of Sports to develop training programs for coaches around athletes and responsible partying. This work demonstrated his ability to tailor drug education to specific contexts and high-pressure environments.
The Man Behind the Mission: A Personal Commitment
Adding a unique layer to his professional credibility is Dillon’s personal choice to be a non-drinker. This lifelong commitment has given him a distinct perspective on Australia’s drinking culture and the social pressures young people face.
His personal stance is not about preaching abstinence, but about demonstrating that a full and successful life is possible without alcohol. This authenticity resonates deeply with the students, parents, and professionals he works with, reinforcing his core message of making informed and safe choices.
Dillon himself has noted that there was a time when being a non-drinker was socially challenging. Even when giving talks about alcohol at schools, events would often end with wine and cheese evenings. People would ask him why he didn’t drink, as if a reason was required. That cultural expectation has shifted, and Dillon’s work has been part of that change.
The Future of Drug Education: Paul Dillon’s Ongoing Legacy
Today, Paul Dillon continues his vital work, visiting around 200 schools and speaking to approximately 120,000 students annually across Australia. He remains a tireless advocate for providing accurate, up-to-date information to combat misinformation and empower communities.
His work extends beyond just speaking engagements. He has been involved in major research projects, including the World Health Organisation Cocaine Study and the National Survey of Ecstasy and Other Party Drugs. He has also been a member of the International Steering Group for the Club Health International Conference since 2002.
Through his unwavering dedication, Paul Dillon has not only shaped the landscape of drug education in Australia but has also created a lasting legacy of safety, knowledge, and empowerment for generations of young people. His evidence-based approach, combined with his genuine care for youth wellbeing, continues to influence how communities address substance use issues.
