14 • MUDULE NINE: SUBSTANCE USE
ACTIVITY FOUR
Pop and Inhale: Drugs and Inhalants- Give each child a piece of paper to fold into four sections, like a square with four boxes. In each
box, the child should write four things that are very important to them, such as some persons,
what they possess, something they really like to do, something they treasure and is special.
Children can draw or write. - Children will identify four different types of drugs such as inhalants (thinner, glue, paint solvent),
amphetamines or cough syrups, heroin, and marijuana. The children share the information they
have about the drugs. - As each drug is named, the child will tear one box and place it on the floor next to him or her.
When all four drugs have been called out, all four boxes will be on the floor and the child will
have nothing in his hand. Ask the children to read what they lost. - The facilitator lists all that the children have written and adds the following if not mentioned:
- Family breaks up;
- Jobs are lost;
- Crimes like stealing start to pay for the drugs; and
- Conflicts with friends.
- Ask a child what problems one could have that could make a person want to try drugs. Take
two or three examples, and ask the children whether there were any other ways to handle
those problems other than to take drugs. Do some brainstorming and inform the children that
this will be explored in greater depth in the next session.
Review- Why did you select these four important things among many others?
- Who uses these drugs?
- Are they available?
- How did you feel when all that you possessed that you loved disappeared? How would the
people you “lost” feel about you? - What do you do if you have a problem? Where do you go?
Linking Learning With Life
Map the places where you get the illegal drugs and other solvents. This should only be attempted if
it is safe. Who uses them? Can any plans be made to raise awareness among young people?Experience from the field
Children liked writing their important things and wanted to write more than four. Tearing the chit really made
them understand how the important things in their life were being taken away. (Saalam Baalak Trust, Delhi).Tips for the facilitator
The objectives of the session must be shared with the children.