LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA 9•
Session Two: The Problem With Substances
Objectives
By the end of the session, the children will:
- Understand the harmful effects of smoking and
tobacco; - Understand how alcohol affects judgment and
increases the risk of acquiring HIV; - How Injection Drug Users (IDUs) are at high
risk of acquiring HIV; and - How other legal and illegal drugs and substances
can harm and increase the risk of HIV.
Key Points
Substance users are predisposed to HIV risk by
unsafe sexual behavior. Drugs injected into the
body provide direct entry for HIV to enter the
body. The use of any substance can raise the
chances of experimenting with others. The need to
belong, to be “cool,” to withstand stress are
common reasons for beginning smoking. Similar
reasons are cited by young people for trying out
other more addictive substances that enhance the
risks of HIV and unsafe sex.Life Skills Learned
Self awareness and critical thinking.Time Required
30-40 minutes.Materials
Flipchart, markers and cello tape.