“Life skills and Drug Prevention”

Part 1: The scenario and the response

Sarvodaya School Principals’ Meeting27 April 2006

“The basic philosophy should be to ensure that adequate educational inputs are made available to each individual, particularly the younger generation, so that the dangers …(of drug abuse)…are imprinted in their minds. This cannot

be a one off operation.”

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India (March 2006)

STRUCTURE OF PRESENTATION

1. Problem scenario2. Response from Government and

UNODC

2004 NATIONAL DRUG SURVEY REPORT ON “Extent, Pattern and Trends of Drug Abuse in India”

Prevalence Dependency ‘Vol. of Work’ Under 18*

ALCOHOLALCOHOL 62.5 m 62.5 m 16.8%16.8% 10.5 m 21%10.5 m 21%CANNABISCANNABIS 8.7 m 8.7 m 25.7%25.7% 2.3 m2.3 m 3%3%OPIATESOPIATES 2.0 m 2.0 m 22.3%22.3% 0.5 m0.5 m 0.1%0.1%

* MSJE/UNODC * MSJE/UNODC National Household SurveyNational Household Survey

2004 NATIONAL SURVEY REPORT recommends

A broad prevention programme to prevent onset of drug use• Accurate information• Life skills training

Intake of drugs totreat an illnessprevent a diseaseimprove a health condition

Drug useDrug use

Intake of drugs for reasons other than medical in a manner that affects physical or mental functioning.

Drug abuseDrug abuse

TYPES OF DRUGS

Depressantslows down CNS, =detachedAlcohol, Heroin (smack; brown sugar)

Hallucinogendistorts perceptionCannabis (marijuana; bhang; charas; ganja)

Stimulantspeeds up CNS, =energyCocaine (crack; coke)

Peer pressure

Why do people use drugs?

“It feels good!”

Curiosity

Rebellion

Wish to feel like an adult

Frustration

Boredom / Depression

Youth: Vulnerabilities and RisksDo not perceive themselves to be “in danger”.

Lack knowledge and skills to protect themselves against addictions and infections.

Possess few negotiation skills.

Traditional biases discourage discussions about drugs, sex and related issues.

Many myths and misconceptions regarding substance abuse, HIV and other infections.

The use of illicit drugs results in impaired judgment leading to unsafe sex.

Drug users often exchange sex for drugs.

Intravenous users often share needles, syringes, drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Drug users often have poor nutrition and health practices that increase risk of disease and infection.

Drug-related risk behaviours

Drugs and HIV

Injecting drug use is one of the most efficient routes of HIV transmission, is much more risky than unprotected sexual contact.

STRUCTURE OF PRESENTATION

1. Problem scenario2. Response from Government and

UNODC

G86 responseMass mediaSchool-basedPeer-led approaches

Objectives of mass mediaReduce risk-taking behaviour related to drugs by:

• Increasing awareness about the risks of drug abuse

• De-glamourizing and de-mystifying drug abuse

• Encouraging parents and teachers to talk to young people

Key themes

Peer pressureTalk to the childDrugs and HIV/AIDSDrugs and the law

Core idea

I DECIDE.

Logo

Rationale for logo

Emphasizes individual choiceNon-confrontationalHas ‘attitude’Can withstand peer pressureHighlights the correct choiceUniversal symbol ( )

“I Decide” Products

Four brochures - Types of drugs and drugs and the law

- Peer Pressure- Talk to your child- Drugs and HIV

Two Television CommercialsFive Posters

Teacher

Drugs and HIV

Parent

Resisting peer pressure

Attitude

Drugs / HIV

Drugs / HIV

Parents

Parents

Peer pressure

END