LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA 5•
- 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. - 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. - 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.
- Discuss how these drugs put R at risk of HIV.
- 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;