1. Myths and Denials

2. MYTH = Unproven belief or invented story  Drug myths are unrealistic beliefs that are often used to justify drug use  EXAMPLE = “I drive more carefully when I’ve had a drink than when I’m fully sober.”

3. Small group assignment:  Select a leader who will record your group’s answers AND report back to the class.  As a group, discuss the myth you were assigned and respond to the questions about your myth.  You have 15 minutes to accomplish this…be ready to report back by then!

4. Class discussion of the 4 myths:  Drug use provides emotional protection from the outside world.  Drugs help people to establish friendships.  People get used to a drug.  Drug use shows independence. There are many MYTHS about drug use. Knowing the truth allows us to make better choices. Although some myths have a small part that is true, for the most part, myths are untrue and unrealistic.

5. Denial = ignoring consequences that may be obvious to others  Many drug users are “in denial” about their drug use. EX = “I can quit smoking anytime.”  What do you think makes a person live in denial? What are the benefits for the person in denial?

6. Four Kinds of Denial:  Drug users frequently blame others or outside social events for their drug use.  Drug users may deny injury from drug use.  Drug users deny their effects on others.  Drug users reinterpret bad things that happen to them so that they appear to be positive, or at least not so bad. With a partner, discuss the cartoons on your handout (pgs 9-10 of student workbook). Select one denial type and create your own scenario and cartoon to represent that denial.