Resource & Discussion Guide

SECTION VI – WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

(Cue VHS to 1:09:20 or DVD to Chapter 6) This section begins with the following narration, “Regardless of an individual’s social standing, religion or grasp of right or wrong, most young people are going to make a decision of whether or not to use drugs or alcohol.” (Video length: 7:00)

Introduction

Drug abuse occurs in families of all economic and social backgrounds, in happy and unhappy homes alike. Often, even in the face of mounting evidence, parents have a hard time acknowledging that their child has an alcohol, tobacco or drug problem.

Lesson Objective

Students will understand that parents and educators are quickly becoming educated about substance abuse.

Discussion Topics

• Discuss with the students how they would want their parents to help if they (the student) were to get involved with drugs or alcohol.
• Discuss the ramifications of random drug testing in school or in the workplace. Should it be required or is it an infringement of personal rights?
• Experts say the “War on Drugs” will never be over. Ask the students if they agree with the experts. What steps would they take to control the flow of drugs coming into the state? The country?

Activity

Assign each student a topic to research concerning the “War on Drugs.”

http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/basicfax.htm

1. What has the government done in the last three decades to address the drug problem?
2. What laws against drugs have been passed?
3. How many people abuse drugs in the U.S.?
4. How do illegal drugs lead to crime?
5. How many people die from drug-abuse or drug-related crimes each year?
6. Which drug causes the greatest burden on medical facilities?
7. Which drugs are the most addictive?
8. Do illegal drugs lead to violent crime?
9. What does the U.S drug policy do to the black community?
10. How does our policy compare with the policies of other countries?
11. Do illegal drugs have any legitimate uses?
12. Does marijuana lead to harder drugs?
13. What should/could we do about drug-abuse?
14. What are some arguments for and against “legalization?”
15. How many people are currently in prison for drug-related offenses in Utah?

 

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This Resource & Study Guide is also available as a PDF document suitable for printing. In addition, there is a supplemental document, Drug Definitions & Symptoms (print).