Rebeca is a Brazilian PhD candidate at the Central European University (CEU) in Vienna and the Communications & Advocacy Programme Lead at Youth RISE. In 2023, she received the CEU's Presidential Scholar Award, which recognizes the work of students whose research shows promise for the future.

In this presentation, Youth RISE's application of Participatory Action Research (PAR) in social drug research will be examined through two case studies involving young people who use drugs (YPWUD). The studies investigated the needs and challenges of young sex workers who use drugs and young people who use opioids, aiming to dismantle traditional research power dynamics and co-generate actionable insights for harm reduction and drug policy reform.

The presentation will critically reflect on the researchers' experiences using PAR, addressing challenges encountered, accountability for shortcomings, and lessons learned and recommendations for future studies. It will emphasize the importance of conducting action-oriented research on drugs and meaningfully engage affected communities as collaborators in all stages of the research process.

The systemic and colonial nature of drug criminalisation plays an important role in perpetuating social inequities. PAR aligns with decolonial efforts for social justice, and researchers and practitioners in the field should embrace this activist method. This presentation will demonstrate PAR's capacity to foster coalition building, community empowerment, and sustainable social change.

Key contributions include:
1) In-depth analysis of PAR application in YPWUD research
2) Critical reflection on methodological challenges and solutions
3) Emphasis on community engagement and power redistribution in research
4) Linking PAR to broader decolonial and social justice efforts
5) Practical recommendations for future PAR studies in drug policy research

This presentation aims to provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working towards more equitable and effective drug policies and harm reduction strategies.