Teacher-therapists may stop drink and drug dependency

TEACHER-therapists could play a major role in preventing schools becoming breeding grounds for drink and drug dependency, researchers in Britain said yesterday.

Two major trials in London showed that by targeting problem personality traits, such as thrill-seeking and negativity, at-risk adolescents can be steered away from substance abuse.

One study of 13 to 16-year-olds led to a 40% reduction in binge-drinking behaviour and cut the chances of youngsters taking cocaine by 80%.