YOUTH STRATEGY
To minimize feelings of alienation and rebelliousness: Focus on the positive things in your life. Be different, but in a safe way. Participate in conflictmanagement programs. Learn anxiety-reduction strategies, like deep breathing or sitting quietly for several minutes. Get involved in organizations with positive messages, like school or religious groups, sports, marching bands or Scouts.
NO STAMP Southampton Drug abuse Prevention Community Centre St Marys Road Southampton SO14 0AT HAMPSHIRE
“Getting High Can Kill You!” campaign september 1998
These activities teach you important skills and decrease your chances of getting involved with alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Understand the importance of school and education. Participate in programs that help with school, like a homework help line, tutoring, mentoring and peer programs.
To counteract the effects of peers who engage in the problem behavior: Choose your friends carefully. A true friend would not pressure you to do anything you don't want to do. Carefully think through situations when you are offered drugs. Learn how to refuse a ride with someone who has been drinking or using other drugs.
To discourage involvement in the problem behavior: Set a positive example for your younger siblings about drugs. They look up to you, whether you believe it or not, and what you say and do has a profound effect on them. Know that the consequences for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia are severe: heavy fines and time in jail, juvenile facilities, rehabilitation or other alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse programs. Don't get involved in gangs, and don't let gangs overrun your community. Put them out of business. Realize that drug dealers don't make that much money. They end up getting arrested, hooked themselves, injured or even killed.
Don't wear clothes with drug messages. They reinforce the negative image that drugs are acceptable. Encourage your friends not to wear them, and work to have them banned from your school altogether. Encourage your school officials to continuously deal with drug problems.
To prevent early initiation of the problem behavior: Adhere to no-use policies in your home, your school and your community regarding drugs. Participate in programs that help you with school, like a homework helpline, tutoring and peer programs. Get involved in youth-oriented organizations with positive messages, like school or religious groups, sports, marching bands, Scouts or other clubs. These activities teach you
important skills and decrease your chances of getting involved drugs. Participate in youth-oriented drug prevention programs. Don't use drugs to fit in. Remember, most kids don't use drugs. You won't be the only one who refuses. Be a positive role model for your younger brothers and sisters and help them stay away from drugs. Learn how to stand up to peer influences and refuse drugs.
Key points to remember as peers: Drug addiction are treatable and curable diseases, not weaknesses. Don't belittle or shun others who have drug problems. They need the assistance and support of nonusers to get the help they need.
And, most importantly, if you have a drug problem, tell someone. Talk to your parents, a relative, your favorite teacher, your youth group leader or your guidance counselor. Any of these people can help you find the support you need. Or call 01703 345 268 for information on prevention and treatment resources in Southampton.
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