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There is a lot
of material available for teaching students about Meth.
Unfortunately, not all of it is useful or of a high quality. MAPP-SD
has researched promising prevention programs; we have learned that there
are no existing 'evidence based' (those that have undergone rigorous
testing to prove their effectiveness) curricula for Meth prevention.
We have, however, found some resources that seem to provide credible and
age-appropriate information. You will find a number of them listed
on the School Resources page, and we will add more as they become
available. When sharing information
about Meth use with students, please be aware that some research shows
that stories, photos or movies about Meth use are strong 'triggers' for
relapse. We suggest you notify your students and their parents prior
to providing material about Meth. Parents of any student in recovery
may choose to have their student excused from participating in class the
day the information is shared to lessen the chance of a relapse, so plan
accordingly.
When selecting curriculum and other Meth
prevention materials to use with students, consider the following:
1) Trying to scare teens by using frightening photos and stats
doesn't usually work because
a) Teens often feel they are invincible
b) Teens discount the highly addictive
nature of Meth and decide that they will be able to use and still remain
in control ("I will never look like that because I will only use until I
lose 30 pounds [or until I'm done cramming for this test, etc.] and then I
will stop.")
c) Teens, especially those who know someone
who is using or those who are using themselves often discount what is
being shared. Since the symptoms described might not yet be apparent, they
could think, "That doesn't happen!" We then risk them not believing
anything else we tell them, either.
2) Lessons that merely provide an
overview of the symptoms of Meth use may not detail long-term consequences
and can actually increase use, as many of the initial symptoms are
appealing to teens.
3) Most effective prevention programs include life skills
components such as assertiveness training, decision making, etc. in
addition to providing drug facts.
4) Research has shown that
comprehensive prevention - efforts that are incorporated into regular
school curricula, plus reinforcement by parents and others in the
community - have the greatest long-term impact on decreasing students'
drug use. Therefore, any Meth prevention lessons or programs you
offer should not be stand-alone occurrences. To impact social norms
and expectations, the Meth prevention information should be continually
repeated and reinforced by peers and adults in the community.
5) There are several Alcohol
Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Prevention resources in the state who can
provide you with assistance in selecting and implementing appropriate drug
prevention curricula in your school. Please refer to the School
Resources page for more information. |
ALERT Motels
ALERT- Retailers
Plan Ahead
School Staff Info
Using Caution
Material Review
School Resources
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