Content Control
Drugs Awareness
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There are many misconceptions, and there is much ignorance amongst young people, about drugs and the short- and longer-term consequences of using them. Unfortunately you can die of ignorance and your life potential can be undermined and even destroyed. |
- 21 per cent of 16- to 24-year-olds have taken cannabis in the past year
- 25,000 schizophrenics could have avoided the illness if they had not used cannabis
- 12 per cent of children aged 11-15 have taken cannabis
- 9 million+ Britons aged 16-59 have used cannabis
- £1billion+ is spent on the drug each year
- 9,600 under-18s are in treatment for cannabis problems
- 60+ per cent of cannabis consumed in Britain is home-grown
In the interactive learning workshops outlined below we seek to identify and correct myths and ignorance, and to ensure that participants are aware of up-to-date information on the consequences of using banned substances and tobacco, and of the misuse of alcohol, solvents, and prescribed and over-the-counter medical drugs.
The central aim in these workshops is to embed the concept in the minds of participants, of all ages, that it is they who make the life-affecting decisions that determine their future health and life achievement. So in their own self-interest they had better look at the facts, and get used to the idea of thinking things through for themselves.
Together we explore how best to handle peer/friend/elder pressures, and equally importantly, how to support peers and friends in making and keeping to the right life-affecting decisions.
As with all our workshops, we tailor content and emphasis to each school's policy and needs. Overall review and revision of our workshops is a continuing process.
Our 'gap-year' presenters are particularly valuable in these workshops – children and young people accept them as really understanding their concerns and challenges.
See "Smoking: Busting the myths" here.
Workshops for Ages 4 to 10+
Whilst modified versions of the children's workshop described immediately below can be delivered to younger ages if teachers wish, it is most usually delivered to children in primary/junior/special schools and PRUs, aged 8 to 10+.
The central message in this inter-active learning workshop is that 'YOU (young as you may be) are the person who is responsible for making YOUR life-affecting decisions'. This is true, whether the decision is to run across the road without looking, or is to misuse alcohol or drugs, or to bully or tolerate bullying, or to be violent, or to smoke, or whether to behave towards others as you would like them to behave towards you.
Myths and delusions relating to drugs and alcohol are identified, and verified facts communicated: the short- and longer-term consequences of drug abuse, and of the misuse of alcohol, are made clear in ways appropriate to the age and understanding of participants.
LTA's programme of school community workshops usually includes elements addressing the issues of alcohol misuse and drugs awareness.
Workshops for Ages 11 to 18+
This interactive learning workshop focuses on taking responsibility for one's own life-affecting choices. Myths and misconceptions regarding the effects and the short- and longer-term consequences of drug abuse and alcohol misuse are explored and corrected through role play and discussion, often in small groups. The comparative emphasis between alcohol and other drugs is agreed beforehand with school staff.