8th Grade Healthful Living Essential Standard 8.ATOD.3 Apply risk reduction behaviors to protect self and others from alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. 8th Grade Healthful Living

8th Grade Healthful Living Clarifying Objective 8.ATOD.3.2 Identify positive alternatives to the use of alcohol and drugs. 8th Grade Healthful Living

Why People Misuse/Abuse Drugs Curiosity Low self-esteem Negative peer pressure Adult modeling Seeking mood alteration To relieve boredom Feel socially alienated with no sense of love or purpose in life.

How to Avoid Drugs/Alcohol Young people need opportunities to develop their talents and skills to avoid feelings of low self-worth or issues associated with esteem. If adolescents are involved in an activity of interest during non-instructional hours, it helps to relieve feelings of boredom and isolation or alienation. It is important to develop and use assertive refusal skills and offer healthy alternatives when asked to use alcohol or drugs.

Example of Healthy Alternatives sports music dance video games fitness activities faith-based activities family events school-sponsored clubs and leadership opportunities community and volunteer service big-brother/big-sister mentoring relationships movies recreational events and games (e.g., rock climbing, hiking, boating)