Volume 3, Number 3

1996 Indiana University - The Center for Adolescent Studies

Most People Don't Use Drugs

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Lesson Objectives:

Students will be able to discuss people's opinions about drug use.

Students will be able to see how many people use drugs or alcohol at their school.

Grade Level and Subject Area:

6-7/Health Education

Materials:

• Completed and tallied drug use survey (from ALL 6th and 7th graders)
  
• Four signs posted on different walls in the classroom - one with each of the following:
  
  • Agree
    
  • Strongly agree
    
  • Disagree
    
  • Strongly disagree

Preparation:

• Have the students complete a drug use survey before the class period when you will do this activity. Then, tally the numbers for each category to have as statistical information to present to the class. (Note: If the results of the survey look inaccurate, use these national averages: 24.6% of eigth graders have used alcohol in the past thirty days, 8.5% have been drunk in the past 30 days.)
  
• Write the percentages for each category on the board so students can see them when they enter the room. Its most effective to remind students that numbers such as 20% equal 1 in 5 students.
  

Activities:

• Discuss the results of the drug survey. Remind students that ALL 6th and 7th graders responded.
  
• Explain that the following activity will help the student learn to discuss people's feelings about drug use. Point out the four signs and explain that you will read a statement and the students will go to the sign that reflects their opinion. Tell the students that they can choose to stand under any sign, but they need to be able to explain why they chose the sign they did.
  
• Read one of the following statements:
  
  
  • People should not drink and drive.
    
  • Most people your age at this school drink alcohol frequently (at least once a month)
    
  • Smoking cigarettes will make a kid very popular.
    
  • It's cool to get drunk.
    
  • It's okay to get drunk at weddings.
    
  • I would prefer to have friends who didn't smoke marijuana.
    
  • People my age who drink know how to enjoy life more.
  
  
• Have students move to the sign that reflects their opinion.
  
• Discuss the statement and the students' opinions. Here are some sample questions for discussion:
  
  
  • What is your opinion of this statement? Why do you feel this way?
    
  • Ask another student, "Do you agree with what that person said?" Why or why not?
    
  • There are few people (or no one) standing under the "disagree" (OR other appropriate sign), why do you think this is the case?
    
  • Are you standing under the sign because it is how you really feel or did you think that is where I wanted you to stand?
    
  • For those of you who agree with this statement, who remembers the actual number of people your age who drink (OR smoke, etc.) at least once a month? Review the statistics if necessary
  • make sure it is clear that most people do not drink.
    
  • Do you think our school is the same as other schools regarding alcohol/tobacco/drug use? Why or why not?
    
  • What could you say to someone who tried to tell you that smoking/drinking/using drugs would help you fit in?
    
  • Look around the room at where everybody is standing. What does that tell you about the people in this class?
    
  • Think of your best friend. If he or she told you that its cool to get drunk, would you agree? What would you think of your friend?
  
  
• Read more statements and discuss them as time permits.
  
• When time is up, have student return to their seats. Compliment them for standing up for their opinions and listening to others' opinions.
  
• Pose the following question to the students and have them discuss:
  Suppose a new kid just moved into your neighborhood and wanted to know how you, as a class, felt about alcohol and drug use. What would you tell him or her?
  
  
• Review the main points of this exercise:
  
  • Most students do not use drugs
    
  • Students don't need to fall for peer pressure because they know that, in fact, most people do not use drugs
  
  

1. Have you had any alcohol to drink in the last 30 days?

     YES - just a few sips     YES - more than a few sips     NO

2. Have you smoked one or more cigarettes in the last 30 days?

     YES               NO

3. Have you smoked one or more marijuana cigarettes in the last 30 days?

     YES               NO

4. Have you been drunk or felt drunk from drinking alcohol in the past 30 days?

     YES               NO

5. Do you think you might drink at least some alcohol every month two years from now?

     YES               NO



6. Do you think you might try smoking cigareetes two years from now?

     YES               NO

7. Do you think you might try smoking marijuana two years form now?

     YES               NO