12 • MUDULE NINE: SUBSTANCE USE
- Discuss with the children that even though many IDUs are aware of the risks, they ignore the
knowledge because of cravings. This impairs their ability to practice safe behavior such as
using new or sterilized needles, taking oral drugs or stopping drugs altogether. But if they tried
hard, s/he can quit substance use.
Also discuss:
a. You cannot tell by a person’s appearance whether s/he is infected with HIV; and
b. Once you are infected by HIV, you are infected for life.
Review- What happens if a person is reinfected (the second cup)?
- If you are infected with HIV, will it show up immediately in a blood test?
Discuss how quickly one gets infected with HIV through IDU.
Linking Learning With Life
The facilitator could arrange a visit to the de-addiction center and an interview with a person who
has given up injecting drugs. Encourage children to ask questions. Those young people already into
injecting will require professional help. The other life skills activities may also be carried out
according to need.