SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE PPL 2O

GATEWAY DRUGS… Implies that the use of certain drugs (like alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) can lead to the use of other drugs ( like cocaine, heroin, LSD) Tobacco and alcohol are usually the first two drugs that a young person experiments with

WHY DO YOUNG PEOPLE TRY THESE DRUGS FIRST? AVAILABILITY – sold in lots of places in communities AFFORDABILITY – Within a price range that one can afford ACCESSIBILITY – There is little difficulty for young people to get it

A FEW FACTS… Young people who drink heavily or “binge drink” (5 or more at one time) are more likely to use other drugs than non-drinkers Talking to youth about these substances often reduces drug use The severity of alcohol and other drug problems can be considered on a continuum of use

5 CATEGORIES OF DRUG USE NON-USE – never used a particular drug EXPERIMENTAL – has tried once or several times – motivated by curiosity and peers OCCASIONAL – infrequent and irregular, usually special occasions or when opportunities present themselves REGULAR – predictable pattern. The user actively seeks to experience the drug effect – usually feels in control of the drug DEPENDENCE – use is regular and predictable and frequent. User experiences a NEED for the drug. User feels out of control with its use – drugs often used alone and activities are planned around drug use

DRUG USE CONTINUUM GAME SUES STORY IDENTIFY FACTORS IN SUES LIFE THAT LEAD HER TO USE ALCOHOL BRAINSTORM THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS EXPERIENCE ON HER FUTURE GROUPS – LAB – RESEARCH THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON BODY

DRUGS TO CHOOSE FROM Ecstasy Cannabis Steroids Cocaine Alcohol Oxycontin PCP Hallucinogens (ie: mushrooms)

SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE DAY 2

Substance Use & Sexual Decision Making Adolescents are faced with many pressures and decisions regarding drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity. Often these decisions occur simultaneously. Research suggests that adolescent substance use may lead to unprotected sex, STI’s, unplanned pregnancy and sexual assault

SOCIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF SUBSTANCE USE Brainstorm ways teens can minimize sexual health risks associated with substance use.

MINIMIZING YOUR RISKS AVOID USE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS – illegal for you… USE SUBSTANCES IN MODERATION – limited quantities USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM – don’t go to parties alone, designated drivers, designated sober one WATCH YOUR DRINKS – never leave alone (date rape)

CONT’D… DON’T ACCEPT DRINKS FROM STRANGERS – you don’t know them, trustworthy? THINK ABOUT SEXUAL DECISIONS WHILE SOBER – know your limits and then you will be able to make better decisions TALK TO PARTNER/FRIENDS/FAMILY…if you discuss it with someone else it tends to stick

DRINKING…A LOVE STORY What is the message of the story? Use of substances, like alcohol, affect a person’s ability to make healthy decisions Use of substances may cause a person to act impulsively in the moment, and question the consequences of those actions later

DRINKING…A LOVE STORY How did using alcohol influence the person’s decisions? Had sex with someone they did not know Perhaps they didn’t use condoms and or other methods of bc Person’s inhibitions were lowered

DRINKING…A LOVE STORY What are possible reasons why this person chose to drink? A teen’s emotional and mental health difficulties as indicated by a lack of coping skills increases their likelihood of engaging in substance use which is associated with early initiation of sexual experiences Lack of positive parental communication, role modeling, and trust of the adolescent has been related to depression and risky sexual behaviour among teens Teen interaction with peers and their perceptions of these interactions will reflect in their sexual behaviour

BOYS vs GIRLS Males tend to use alcohol more before intercourse Teens who use alcohol are less likely to use protection…

DRINKING…A LOVE STORY What are the consequences of the person’s decision to drink alcohol? Emotional consequences – anxiety, stress related to possibility of unplanned pregnancy or STI, as well as regret and embarrassment Physical consequences – hangover, pregnancy, STI, HIV, injuries from sexual assault

DRINKING…A LOVE STORY DO you think this story is “unusual”? How do you think media influences people’s decision making around substance use and safer sex?

TEAM CHALLENGE TO SAVE PAPER – I WILL POST THIS ON THE WIKISPACE SO YOU WILL HAVE ANSWERS FOR EXAM!!!

PLACES TO GO FOR ASSISTANCE WITH SUBSTANCE USE AND/OR SEXUALITY Teachers/guidance Counsellors School nurse / family doctor Police Telehealth – health services Sexual assault centers Clinics

LEGAL vs ILLEGAL Review questions and students move around the room under the titles: Legal, illegal, I don’t know

SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE DAY 3

SUMMATIVE TASK Watch video – Through a Blue Lens Prepare students in advance Give handout **afterwards watch video – Flipping the world as wrap up to first video