Life Skills Education Toolkit

LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA 5•

4. Explain that some substances carry a high risk for HIV, such as drugs that are injected and
   sharing of used needles. Also discuss that alcohol and addictive drugs impair judgment and
   indirectly place a person at risk.


5. Read the following story:
   R went with some friends to see a movie. Then they all decided to go to T’s house. Nobody was
   there and they could drink as much as they liked. R just had a fight with his girlfriend/at home/
   with his employer and got quite drunk and then T started smoking a cigarette he had rolled. R
   did not want to smoke but T told him to have just one puff. He did but had no clue what
   happened next. All he knew was that when he awoke, there was a raid in the brothel and he
   was caught there. He is worried about his health and what he may have done.


6. Discuss why R took those drugs. Then brainstorm why people take any drugs. The list could look
   like this:
   •To forget;
   
   
   • To keep up with friends;
   
   
   • Because they feel lonely;
   
   
   • Because they feel hopeless;
   
   
   • To feel happy;
   
   
   • Considered glamorous (advertisements promote, movie stars use them);
   
   
   • To try it just once – to experiment;
   
   
   • They like the feeling;
   
   
   • They are addicted to it;
   
   
   • To relax; and/or
   
   
   • To have fun.
   
   
   
   


7. Discuss how these drugs put R at risk of HIV.


8. Discuss the consequences of taking drugs. Ask children to make a list. The list may include:
   
   
   • Unable to coordinate movements;
   
   
   • Arguments and conflicts;
   
   
   • Interferes with decision-making;
   
   
   • Dulls senses;
   
   
   • Violent behavior;
   
   
   • Intensifies or depresses feelings or moods;
   
   
   • Unable to communicate clearly;
   
   
   • Stealing;