LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA 1•Substances of different types are available to give a
‘kick’ or a ‘high.’ These substances range from
socially acceptable substances (such as cigarettes,
tobacco products and alcohol) to medicinal drugs
(prescription and over the counter drugs, such as
cough syrups, sedatives, tranquilizers) to inhalants
(typewriter eraser fluid, glue, solvents) to illegal
drugs (such as ganja, cocaine, crack, opium).
Sometimes introduction to one type of substance
can lead to experimentation with others.
More and more young people are experimenting
with different substances and at a comparatively
early age. Peer pressure, one’s own need to release
stress and the lure of advertisements are some of
the common reasons why people take drugs. It is
advisable to help young people take protective and
preventive measures because most substances are
habit forming and quickly become addictive. Young
people are often preoccupied with themselves and
do not realize that their behavior affects and hurts
their families and those who love them.
One of the problems in helping young people make
healthy choices is the threat of HIV. Use of
substances, except in the case of injection drug use
(IDU), does not directly pose a risk of being infected
with HIV. But substance use impairs critical
thinking and good decision-making. That is why
the chances of risky behavior and HIV infection
increase dramatically with substance use.
One of the difficulties of working with young people
lies in getting them to deal with “responsible” use ofwidely used substances such as alcohol. Although
this is a realistic option for those already into
experimentation, saying “no” is still an option
worth exploring. Determining “how much is
enough” is difficult; hence, it is important to
emphasize the importance of saying “no” to those
children who have yet to try any of the substances
mentioned. In the case of drugs, young people begin
with the less harmful and addictive chemicals and
graduate to more harmful and addictive chemicals
fairly quickly causing problems in physical, emotional
and social functioning. Most of the harmful
chemicals are also more expensive, thus leading to
risky behavior to satisfy urges to take the drug.
Because powerful persuaders such as
advertisements, peers, myths and beliefs exist, it is
important not to moralize or preach. Useful
strategies include informing young people of the ill
effects of substance use, suggesting alternative
means of de-stressing and relaxing, Life skills
training to enable them to make good choices and
providing a supportive and empowering
environment to say “no.” Clearly, providing only
information is not enough. Young people have to be
helped in developing skills to cope with their
problems and resist pressures to use these
substances.
It is recommended that relevant sessions and
activities from Modules on Relationships,
Communication and Decision-making be included
according to the needs of the participants.MODULE NINE: Substance Use