SEMINAR

TOPIC: Role of education to curb drug abuse and alcoholism.

                               Among the concerns faced by teachers and others who work with youth is substance abuse. Drug abuse, alcohol abuse and abuse of other substances both legal and illegal can have significant negative effects on life. Schools can play a key role in preventing alcohol and drug problems.

• WHY DRUG EDUCATION NECESSORY

              The purpose of AOD education is, young people need to be informed about these issues because they live in a world in which AOD is everywhere. Even they do not use these substances AOD can affect their lives in a number of ways.

• IS IT EFFECTIVE

                Preventing or delaying early usage of alcohol and drug as long as possible is important because it predicts problems and dependence later in life.

• WHY DRUG ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM OCCURS

               Studies shows that peer pressure play the largest role in causing children to begin using drugs. Other reasons for taking drugs and alcohol include the constant exposure to our chemical society of pills and liquar through ads, movies and television. A simple pressure serves as a motive.

• EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM

                 Drugs produce many effects including distortion of memory, perceptions and sensation. For eg; Cocaine and Amphetamine give users a false sense of performing at high level when on the drug. So called designer drugs, chemical variations of illegal drugs have caused brain damage and death. Frequent drug and alcohol users skip or arrive late to class.

• WHAT SCHOOLS CAN DO

                    School administrators should determine the extend of drug problem with in their jurisdiction before initiating a new intervention program. This can be accomplished by an anonymous survey of students and consultation with local law enforcement officials. Collaborative plans should be made with parents, school boards, treatment agencies and concerned groups within the community to ensure successful programs.

• PREVENSION PROGRAMS

                     Research reviews indicate the two most promising prevention approaches are the social influences model and a strategy that emphasis personal and social skills training. Both approaches have led to significant reductions in the use of alcohol and drugs.

• WHAT TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS DO

                      Teacher’s excert a significant influence on students attitude, knowledge and opinion. They can complement a school’s drug abuse program by incorporating drug abuse prevention strategies in to the subject at any great level. In addition teachers must inform students that they disapprove of drug abuse. Students should be told that they will be reported if they come to school in possession of drugs or under their influence.

                       Any teacher who believes a student is abusing drugs should take action. The first step when suspecting drug is to notify the appropriate school committee, if one exists. Otherwise, the teacher should express concern to the students and to the parents, citing to the observed behaviours.

                        Intervention strategies must be supported by the school principal. Principal need to provide opportunities for teachers to meet they can fight the problem.

                       

     

      

                                     Submitted by,

                                           RESHMA.R.S

                                          1st sem. B.Ed

                                     Physical science