Watch a video presentation or download Powerpoint slides on the information that follows below.
Substance misuse/abuse can have a wide range of negative effects on mental and physical health, including depression, anxiety, and chronic health problems. The skills to avoid drug use at an early age is a critical component of a healthy foundation and is an area that adults who are involved with children need to be proactive about.
Most youth will at some point be confronted with certain levels of peer pressure related to drug and alcohol use. Developing substance use refusal and resistance skills is crucial for young people to successfully navigate these challenges, bypass drug and alcohol use, addictions and other life-altering consequences that may ensue as a result of substance-affected behaviors or decisions.
Teach children techniques that they can use in any particular moment of pressure so that they are prepared in advance. These include:
In addition to techniques youth can use in a particular moment, there are also ways to instill and ensure stronger refusal and resistance skills in youth that can begin years before they may be confronted by a peer-pressure situation. These include characteristics and personal traits that parents, family and teachers can promote and support in children at every stage of development:
Understanding their own values, beliefs, and motivations can help youth make decisions that align with what's important to them and resist peer pressure to use drugs.
Feeling confident in their ability to make decisions and communicate them effectively can help youth resist drugs and other negative influences. Confidence can help kids think critically and make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Being able to express their thoughts and feelings in a clear, respectful, and confident manner can help youth refuse offers of drugs and other harmful substances.
Being able to identify and evaluate options, weigh the pros and cons, and make decisions based on their goals and values can help kids navigate difficult situations and make healthy choices.
Developing effective communication skills, such as active listening and expressing themselves clearly, can help kids build positive relationships and avoid conflict, including conflicts related to drug use.
When kids are surrounded with positive, supportive friends and family members, school personnel, and community members, it can provide a source of encouragement and help in difficult situations. They are accountable to more people than just themselves and have people to rely on to discuss challenging decisions.
Below are some online resources for the classroom, for parents and for the community which educate about youth drug refusal and youth drug resistance skills: