Making Choices About Drug Use

We’ve already talked about peer pressure We’ve discussed peer pressure in class in the first term, and you identified many ways to stand-up to peer pressure. To take it one step further, we’re going to talk about the “IDEAL” decision-making method and apply it to making decisions about drugs.

What does IDEAL stand for? I = Identify What is the problem or decision that has to be made?

D = Decide What are your options?

E = Evaluate What are the consequences of each option?

A = Act What is the best choice for you?

L = Learn What can you learn from this experience?

Harm Reduction Of course, as the adults and teachers in your life, we want you to make healthy decisions. Our hope for you is that you won’t use drugs or alcohol. However, we know that it is not realistic to think that none of you will use drugs and alcohol.

What is Harm Reduction? Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use.

With that in mind… If someone has made the decision to use a drug or drink alcohol, what precautions do you think they should take before and during use? (What would you tell them to be as safe as possible?) List as many as possible.

Now: From the two scenarios listed on the next slide, and use the IDEAL framework to work through the decision-making process involved in making a good decision about this drug.

Scenarios: Anu and Amit, both in Grade 7, are invited to Mark’s party on Saturday night. They know Mark’s parents will not be home and that Mark is planning to have beer at the party. Decide what Anu and Amit will do. Best friend Ramona and Lesley were just leaving school, when another friend pulled out a joint (of marijuana) and invited them to join her behind the plaza, where they could smoke the joint. Ramona wants to go, but Lesley doesn’t and they start to argue. How is the dilemma resolved?