24. November 2025
A recent Irish Daily Mail headline grabbed national attention, highlighting the growing concern about teenagers’ easy access to potent weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro. The investigation revealed instances where even 15-year-olds managed to obtain prescription-only medications online within minutes—a trend that’s raising alarms among parents, educators, and health professionals.
As someone familiar with issues at schools where weight loss and body image pressures are rampant, it’s clear that the surge in drug use isn’t isolated. In fact, students are increasingly resorting to quick fixes like injections and prescription medication instead of pursuing sustainable, healthy lifestyles. Investigations have exposed young people sharing information via social media about "skinny pens" and "skinny jabs" with little oversight or medical guidance.
Almost one-third of trending TikTok videos under #dietpills actively promote these drugs, sometimes naming prescription-only medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and others. These products are sold over-the-counter, online, and even trafficked on social media platforms—with posts and advertisements often targeting adolescents directly.
Despite some drugs being approved for managing obesity medically, teenagers are accessing counterfeit or unregulated versions that may carry serious risks. Irish authorities have seized thousands of unlicensed weight loss pens, and research shows sellers—some in Ireland—are distributing these substances without proper medical supervision.
Medical experts warn that prescription weight loss medications can cause severe side effects, especially when misused by young people. These include nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, and, in rare cases, kidney failure. The rise of private clinics and social media “influencers” offering injections or medications outside hospital settings compounds the risk, creating a two-tier system in which vulnerable youth are most exposed.
Studies also link the use of weight loss drugs with increased depression and eating disorder symptoms among teens, indicating a troubling intersection of physical and mental health concerns.
The reality at schools reflects these trends. Reports have surfaced regarding students using weight loss drugs, influenced by online content and peer pressure, sometimes without being fully aware of the risks involved. Teachers, guidance counsellors, and school nurses are encountering cases where students disclose secret use, exchange tips about where to buy, and even experience adverse side effects. Aside from immediate physical risks, the phenomenon underscores broader challenges around body image and the need for deeper education on well-being.
As national health policies look at the reimbursement and restriction of these new drugs—for example, the HSE considering covering Mounjaro and Wegovy—it’s critical for parents and schools to stay informed, address the underlying pressures driving teens towards drastic solutions, and advocate for better regulation and mental health support.
Schools need evidence-based programs on body positivity and resilience, while families must be equipped to discuss the realities of weight loss drugs in an internet age. With the conversation now in the headlines, it’s time to make sure teenagers are guided not only by access but by understanding and safety.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DUBLIN, Ireland – October 9, 2025 – As Ireland observes World Mental Health Day 2025, Prevention Is Better is urging Irish employers to address the escalating crisis of workplace substance use that is costing the nation €8.5 billion annually in lost productivity while devastating employee mental health and family wellbeing.
New research reveals alarming trends across Irish workplaces: one in five workers struggles with substance use, and the proportion of people receiving drug treatment and are currently employed has surged 130% from 8.9% in 2015 to 20.5% in 2021. Despite these statistics, only 30% of Irish employers offer formal substance misuse programs or training.
"Substance use in the workplace is totally preventable with proper education and early intervention," said Ryan Scott Ulrich, CEO and Co-founder of Prevention Is Better, who brings 24 years of lived recovery experience to his prevention work. "Many people in active employment struggle with substance misuse or experience negative impacts from regular use of alcohol and other drugs. It's crucial to provide information and support before problems escalate, because the dramatic impact affects not just productivity, but entire families and communities."
Mr. Ulrich emphasizes that employers often struggle with these conversations, leading to a missed opportunity to address the problem early and provide needed support.
"By confronting these issues head-on, we can implement specific, evidence-based strategies that create healthier workplaces. This represents one of the biggest areas of productivity loss in any organisation, but by addressing it properly, we can make dramatic improvements in health, wellbeing, workplace culture, and ultimately in families with children and parents affected by these challenges."
The data reveals a critical intersection often overlooked by traditional workplace wellness programs: 75% of people with substance use disorders have co-occurring mental health conditions, typically rooted in trauma. This connection makes standalone approaches to either mental health or substance use prevention far less effective than integrated, trauma-informed strategies.
Key statistics driving the need for urgent action:
Under the Health, Safety & Welfare at Work Act 2005, Irish employers have a legal duty of care to prevent health risks from substance use among employees and to protect workers affected by colleagues' use. Substance use disorder is recognised as a disability under Irish law, requiring reasonable accommodation and protection from discrimination.
"Many employers don't realise they have specific legal obligations around workplace substance use," Mr. Ulrich explained. "But beyond compliance, there's a compelling business case. Organisations implementing trauma-informed prevention programs see 30-40% reductions in risky behaviours and significant returns on investment through improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and better employee retention."
Prevention Is Better's trauma-informed prevention model has been successfully implemented across Ireland, Europe, China, and Indigenous communities in Canada. The approach combines lived-experience leadership with rigorous research to address root causes before crises occur.
The comprehensive workplace program includes:
As Ireland grapples with the intersection of mental health awareness and workplace substance use, Mr. Ulrich is calling on business leaders to move beyond crisis management toward prevention-first strategies.
"This World Mental Health Day, we're challenging Irish employers to think differently," he said. "Instead of waiting for substance use problems to impact productivity, mental health, and workplace safety, we can prevent these issues through education, early intervention, and creating supportive workplace cultures where people feel safe to seek help."
Prevention Is Better is Ireland's leading provider of trauma-informed, evidence-based substance use prevention programmes for workplaces. Founded by Ryan Scott Ulrich, who brings 24 years of lived recovery experience combined with extensive corporate communications expertise, and Chuck Ma, who brings over 30 years of IT experience and youth work to the company, the organisation has successfully implemented prevention programs across multiple countries and cultural contexts.
Mr. Ulrich holds advanced degrees and has worked across Ireland, Europe, China, and Indigenous communities in Canada, combining personal insight with rigorous research to deliver measurable outcomes for organizations committed to employee wellbeing and productivity.
Ryan Scott Ulrich is available for interviews, commentary, and to provide additional data and case studies on trauma-informed workplace prevention programs.
Contact Information:
All statistics and claims in this press release are supported by peer-reviewed research and government data sources, including:
High-resolution images, additional data, and interview scheduling available upon request.
END OF PRESS RELEASE
This press release may be reprinted in whole or in part with attribution to Prevention Is Better and contact information included.
Addiction and mental health aren't just personal struggles—they're workplace and community issues. Too often, companies wait for a crisis before acting. But prevention works best when it's proactive, practical, and culturally sensitive.
We've seen the impact of prevention in action: from media campaigns in Ireland to evidence-based programs in the Cree Nation[13][15]. Addiction can't be solved by goodwill alone—it needs early, skilled intervention, and a culture that values prevention as much as treatment.
If you're a business leader, consider this an invitation to partner with Prevention Is Better. We offer:
October brings Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the daily realities of anxiety, depression, and mental health struggles that touch nearly all of us. In our schools, workplaces, and homes, the conversation about mental health is growing—but there's still so much work to do.
For those of us in prevention, this is a call to action: mental health is a spectrum, not a fixed state, and prevention can take many forms. It means nurturing resilience in students through evidence-based prevention strategies and curricula, like the train-the-trainer programs we've developed with Indigenous communities in Canada[15]. It means supporting employees with flexible schedules, EAPs, and anti-stigma campaigns. It means being present—really listening—when someone is struggling.
October 10 is World Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness, bust myths, and make resources visible. For companies, this is an opportunity to audit policies, offer mental health first aid training, and consider how your culture supports—or inadvertently harms—employee well-being.
At Prevention Is Better, we know mental health and addiction are deeply connected. We help organizations build policies and programs that break the cycle before it starts—from prevention education to early intervention.
If you're a business, ask yourself: What more can I do? How can I help my team? Prevention Is Better is ready to help you answer those questions.
Further reading:
As we close Recovery Month, let's reflect on what these thirty days have meant—not just for individuals, but for our workplaces and communities. The month was more than a prompt to raise awareness: it was a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, a test of our willingness to listen, and a reminder of the quiet courage that is needed on a daily basis.
For those living in recovery, September is a mix of celebration and challenge. Each story shared, each social media post, each coffee break conversation opened up new pathways for support—but could also surface memories or feelings that require extra care. As a community working in prevention and harm reduction, we've seen how language matters—shifting from "addict" to "person in recovery," from "substance abuse" to "substance use disorder." These changes aren't just semantic; they shape who feels safe to speak up and who feels marginalised.
What have we learned? Prevention is a team sport. To truly support recovery—and recovery from anything, from substance use to mental health challenges—we need inclusive policies, understanding colleagues, and workplaces that don't just tolerate but champion wellness. We need to keep growing, keep educating, and keep challenging stigma. And we need to remember: every month, not just September, is the right time to support recovery.
If your business is inspired by what you saw this month, Prevention Is Better can help. We offer addiction-related training, wellness programming, and customized interventions—because the best prevention happens long before a crisis emerges.
We are deeply grateful to share the remarkable success of our recent collaborative work with the Wiichihiiwewin Centre and the incredible community of Waskaganish we had the privilege to serve. This partnership represents everything we strive for in prevention education—culturally grounded, community-driven programming that makes a real difference in young people's lives.
Our Three-Year Partnership Journey
Earlier this year, we proudly signed a three-year collaboration agreement with the Wiichihiiwewin Centre to deliver comprehensive prevention training programs and codevelop customised educational materials in partnership with the local Cree first nation. This groundbreaking partnership was made possible through the dedicated work of David Cheechoo Glenn Whiskeychan and Josephine Ottereyes, who helped us develop culturally responsive programming that honours traditional knowledge while addressing contemporary challenges.
The collaboration embodies our commitment to working to codevelop unique approaches to wellness and prevention that are a fit for the local community.
Mental Health Week: A Transformative Experience
At the end of August 2025, we had the extraordinary opportunity to visit during the community's Mental Health Week—a time dedicated to promoting wellness, cultural connection, and healing. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to David and Glenn for being such exceptional hosts, welcoming us into their community with warmth and ensuring our visit was both meaningful and impactful.
Elementary School Prevention Classes
Our first day was spent with the sixth-grade classes at the elementary school, where we delivered comprehensive prevention education focused on vaping and smoking prevention. With support from Hannah Moses, Director of Regional School Operations (Coastal) and Alexandra Filippi principal of ᐋᓃ ᐧᐄᔥᑲᒑᓐ ᒋᔅᑯᑕᒫᒉᐅᑲᒥᒄ (École Annie Whiskeychan Memorial Elementary School), whose dedication to her students was truly inspiring, we witnessed the power of engaging young minds in health education. The students embraced our chatbot curriculum with remarkable enthusiasm and ease, demonstrating how technology can enhance traditional prevention approaches when implemented thoughtfully. Thank you to Twyla Diamond, Marta Dupont and Jonathan Adams (subbing for Heather Arsenault) for allowing us into your classrooms!
Research shows that prevention programs are most effective when they begin during the elementary years, as they can reduce substance use initiation and build protective factors that last into adulthood. The students' positive response and active participation reinforced our belief in the importance of early, culturally appropriate intervention.
High School Engagement and Learning
Our second day brought us to the high school ᐧᐄᓂᐯᑰ ᒋᔅᑯᑕᒫᒉᐅᑲᒥᒄ (École Wiinibekuu School), where we delivered full-day programming to all students on crucial topics including:
It was heartwarming to see a group of students dive right into the role play where they practiced assertiveness skills while giving everyone a good laugh. Their willingness to participate and learn demonstrated the hunger young people have for honest, respectful education that treats them as capable decision-makers.
Valuable Data and Insights
Through our confidential surveys, we gathered important insights about the community's youth:
These findings highlight both the protective factors present in the community and the areas where continued support and programming can make the greatest impact.
Community Leadership and Support
We cannot express enough gratitude to the educational leaders who made our work possible. Principal Mary-Ann Katapatuk welcomed our prevention programming into the school, while Vice Principal David O’Quinn ensured smooth coordination and student engagement throughout our visit. Their commitment to student wellness and culturally appropriate education created the foundation for our successful collaboration.
Thank you to the teachers from Sections 1 to 5 for bringing your classes to us:
Emma Whiskey, Murray Blackned, Virginia Stephen, Florence Peace, Waskaganish - EWS - Teachers
Mental Health Week Community Events
Beyond our formal educational programming, we were privileged to participate in the community's Mental Health Week celebrations. These events showcased the vibrant culture and resilience of the community:
Traditional food sharing, including the delicious goose meat prepared using traditional methods
These activities reinforced the importance of culture, connection, and community in promoting mental wellness and preventing substance abuse.
Keeping Our Word and Looking Ahead
We made a promise—to deliver thoughtful, meaningful prevention training and community partnership. And we did just that! It’s one thing to set a goal, but it’s even better to roll up your sleeves and make it happen. This whole experience has been about showing up, listening, adapting, and making sure our plans turn into reality alongside the amazing people of the Wiichichiiwewin Centre and the Waskaganish community. We’re not just proud of what we’ve accomplished so far—we’re excited for the next steps and all the good things still to come as we keep building trust and working together hand-in-hand.
Looking Forward: Train-the-Trainer Programs
As we continue our three-year partnership, we are excited to develop and expand train-the-trainer programs that will empower local community members with lived experience of addiction and recovery to become prevention educators themselves. This approach aligns with best practices community prevention, which emphasize:
By training local trainers, we ensure that prevention programming becomes sustainable, culturally authentic, and responsive to the community's evolving needs and priorities.
A Message of Deep Gratitude
This collaboration has profoundly impacted not just the students and community members we served, but our own understanding of effective, respectful prevention work. The Wiichihiiwewin Centre and the entire community have taught us invaluable lessons about:
We look forward to our continued collaboration and to supporting the community's vision for youth wellness, cultural preservation, and prevention programming. Together, we are building something truly meaningful—prevention education that honours the past, serves the present, and protects the future.
Maarsii, Thank you, Merci to everyone who made this partnership possible and to the young people who inspire us every day with their wisdom, resilience, and hope for the future.
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