Activities

Alcohol

Case Study
Vicky believes in having a good time and chooses to use alcohol as a way to increase her confidence levels and help her relax when out and about on the town with friends. She admits to going out to get drunk – starting the night off with alcopops in her flat prior to departure, and then progressing onto cocktails and shots of spirits when out in the bars and clubs. She doesn't think she has any problem with her alcohol use, but, sometimes does have a bit of regret in the morning, and often can't believe or remember some of the stuff that she may have done as a result of her binge drinking episodes. She is young and has no intention of changing. She feels this is the best way to have a great laugh with friends and have a great night out.

In groups discuss the following
Is this type of attitude typical of a young person just wanting a good night out? What are the pros and cons of such an attitude? What do you feel the future holds for Vicky if she continues her current relationship with drink? Discuss potential health risks and longer term impact.

Once they know the facts, many people can quite easily revert back to sensible drinking if they are drinking above recommended safe limits. Consider some strategies that may be considered when working with alcohol related health problems: what kind of measures do you feel would be effective in tackling the problem of binge drinking?

Drugs

Do recreational drugs lead to harder drug addiction?
Split into groups and debate 'Do recreational drugs lead to harder drug addiction'. One group should prepare a 10 minute proposal in favour of and agreeing with, the above response. Another group prepare 10 minutes against the above statement. Discuss and debate some of the reasons and arguments. Feedback and take a vote on how it went and summarise proceedings.

Support
Discuss in groups:
What types of supportive infrastructure do you feel best accommodates the needs of the drug user? Feedback and explain your response.
What best accommodates the needs of the immediate family, loved ones and friends? Feedback and explain your response.
What measures might families and others take to support those affected by drugs?
What are some of the consequences that family involvement entails?
What support and help is available for families touched by drug abusing family members
Once an addict always an addict?

Samantha talks of wanting help and support, but of not being able to access it. What issues do you feel need to be re-addressed in respects to proper channels of support and rehabilitation for those wanting additional help but not able to access it:
At government level
At Local Authority Council level
At community level
At neighbourhood level

'People know what it does to them – they don't know where it takes them'. Discuss.
What types of further information and education do young people require to ensure they know of all aspects of drug use?
Do you think enough is being done at the moment? Are current methodologies effective? What more could be done?
How might information and support mechanisms best infiltrate those most at risk?