module 6 - what youth can do

7/30/2019 Module 6 - What YOUth Can Do

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Module 7


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Target young people before they start usingsubstances; and

Discourage or stop those young people who arealready experimenting or using


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Section I

The YOUth is an agent of Primary Prevention


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an ounce of prevention is better than cure

Primary prevention is less expensive than

cure Primary prevention is the first line of defense Primary prevention can take place in the

community The success rate of treatment is low


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Information

providing information can increase knowledge

and awareness of the consequences of substanceabuse.

It can also change values, attitudes and beliefs.

Although information alone is not sufficient to

prevent use, it is important as it provides thefacts.


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Skills Building social and personal/ cognitive skills improve

young peoples abilities to interact socially, clarifies

values and improves self- awareness. These skills can be developed through discussions of

feelings, values, and perception through role play,participation in group projects and leadershipopportunities.

Involvement in activities like these can help reducesocial influence; motivate young people to resistexternal pressure; and teach them skills such asdecision making, problem solving and goal setting.


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Alternative Activities and Youth Groups Providing interesting recreational activities can

divert the attention of young people away fromsubstance use toward more positive physical andsocial outlets.

The participation of youth groups in thecommunity service projects and awarenesscampaigns should also be encouraged.

Involving them strengthens protective factors andsocial bonding.


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Attachments Positive attachments can help reinforce protective

factors.

Encouraging presence of caring family members,friends, and other adults interested in their well-being provides support and role models to youngpeople.

Child- parent relationships have been shown to

improve when the entire family is involved. Positive peer relationships should also be encouraged.

Other positive attachments that could be encouragedare through schools or religion (depending on thelocal context)


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Resources young people in need should be directed toward

appropriate available resources, such as social

services, educational and health facilities. The family

strengthening parent-child communication can leadto better reinforcement of prevention work in the

home, with parents serving as role models. Parental skills can be strengthened through family

skills training, parent support groups, parent peergroups and family counseling.


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Local Community

e.g., schools, families, workplaces, churches,government and the mass media.

Local communities can undertake activities thatemphasize the prevention of substance use problems,health promotion and community development.

Local community action includes setting priorities,making decisions, planning and implementingactivities and projects; in order to achieve betterhealth.


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Orienting Services

The importance of appropriate referral to health

care centers and workers (for those needingfurther assistance) must also be stressed.

This will ensure the comprehensiveness of the

interventions.


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In thefamily

In schools

In theworkplace

In the

community


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Section II


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The Red Cross has rigorously followed its corePrinciple of Neutrality. This is the reason why,today, the Red Cross can work everywhere, in

every community, regardless of racial,ideological, religious or political divides.

We have another fundamental mission: the oneadvocating for the most vulnerable people.

Neutrality and advocacymeet at the point ofalleviating human suffering. This is where theRed Cross finds its unique power of humanity.


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In the movement, we care about the 600million people victims of conflicts and naturaldisasters every year, which is part of ourmission, Principles and Values; however, thesecond major group of people suffering in theworld is the drug users, who are stigmatized,

discriminated and isolated from society. Worldwide, their marginalization affects their

families, friends and communities and furtherhampers the civil societys development.


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We in the Red Cross, have always said thatstigma kills.

Indifference and discrimination kill more than

the abuse of substances. The suffering is caused as much by the

repressive policies as the substancesthemselves.

This suffering does not end with the users only;it affects their immediate families andcommunities at large.

The spread of AIDS is a sad indicator of thebroad impact of drugs on our societies.


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Definition (InternationalFederation of Red Cross/Red Crescent, 1999) is an activity that is

motivated by the free willof the person, and not bya desire for material orfinancial gain or byexternal social, economic

or political pressures. is an activity intended to

benefit vulnerable peopleor their communities.

VolunteerGive

VolunteerGain

achievement

fun

friends

skills

commitment

energy

enthusiasm

time


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Section III


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The youth can be very effective especiallywhen they talk in small groups.

Providing information is especially beneficialif young people are involved in the process,both as receivers and providers ofinformation.

Peer Education is still the best tool forprimary prevention of substance abuse.

module 6 - what youth can do

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