Teaching the Dangers of Drug Abuse Only Goes So Far

We can warn children about the dangers of substance abuse over and over, but when it comes down to it, they will be influenced by so much more than what’s on the surface. Peer pressure, self-esteem, and anxiety are just a few of the factors that can impact a child’s decision to get involved in behaviors they may already know could hurt them. When they are taught to recognize and develop their self-worth, identify when they are being influenced by others, and develop the skills to resist outside pressure, they are much better equipped to make healthy decisions for life.

“I like how this program is teaching us things we’re actually going to use in life.”

LifeSkills® Training

Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based positive youth development program proven to reduce the risks of alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse, and violence by targeting the major social and psychological factors that promote the initiation of substance use and other risky behaviors. This comprehensive program provides adolescents and young teens with the confidence and skills necessary to successfully handle challenging situations. LST is endorsed by the CDC.

What Students Learn:

Session 1

The Value of Good Health

• Unit Goals: To introduce the LST High School program and how it is relevant to students’ health.
• Key Skills: Cooperative learning; using assessment rubrics; self-analysis.

Session 2

Decision-Making for Health

• Unit Goals: TTo teach how to make decisions that benefit personal health practices.
• Key Skills: Self-reflection and assessment; analysis of health risks; decision analysis.

Session 3

Risk-Taking and Substance Abuse

• Unit Goals: To counter myths and misconceptions about drugs, their rate of usage, and effects; to increase awareness of effects of drug use on physical, mental, and emotional health.
• Key Skills: Researching, analyzing, and applying data

Session 4 – 5

The Media and Health

• Unit Goals: To increase awareness of how the media influences our health behavior; to increase resistance to media manipulation and influence.
• Key Skills: Content analysis of media techniques; comparing media messages to previous knowledge; oral presentations and projects.

Session 6

Managing Stress, Anger, and Other Emotions

• Unit Goals: To teach recognition of stress and anger triggers and how they relate to behavior; how substance use is related to stress; techniques for managing stress and anger.
• Key Skills: Self-reflection and assessment of stress and anger triggers and responses; resulting risky behaviors; analysis and practice of five techniques for managing stress and anger.

Session 7 – 8

Family Communications

• Unit Goals: To increase awareness of changing roles in the family; to teach how to communicate effectively with family members.
• Key Skills: Identifying developmental changes in oneself; interviewing family member; communication skills.

Session 9 – 10

Healthy Relationships

• Unit Goals: To increase awareness of what students are attracted to in others and what attracts others to them; skills for effective social interaction; resolving conflicts in close personal relationships.
• Key Skills: Reflecting on actions taken in personal relationships; verbal and non-verbal assertiveness; making social contacts; practicing conflict resolution.

This program requires a ten-session commitment. Sessions can be combined to fit block scheduling. For more information or to schedule a program, contact us at (317) 667-0340 or info@lifesmartyouth.org.