NCJ Number
151291
Date Published
1990
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Intended for use with group discussions guided by a trained leader, these video vignettes pertain to why juveniles use drugs and alcohol, the consequences of such use, and what can be done to remedy it.
Abstract
The dramatized vignettes are presented under the following rubrics: "Why Do People Use?"; "Who Is Affected?"; "What Can You Do About It?"; and "Where Do You Turn?" Each vignette is presented without comment regarding the lessons to be learned from the behavior portrayed. The video is intended as an aid for group discussions. Dramatizations under the rubric of "Why Do People Use?" include conversations among girlfriends as one reports excitedly about a backstage pass to visit the members of a rock band, during which she partied with them using drugs and alcohol. Most of her friends envy her the experience, but one questions the wisdom of using drugs with strangers and risking being arrested by the police. In another vignette in this category, a group of girls at a party convince a shy, nondrinking friend to drink a number of alcoholic beverages to give herself the courage to approach a boy to whom she is attracted. He is offended by her drunkenness, so her self- esteem is damaged even further. Dramatizations under the rubric of "Who Is Affected?" focus on the consequences to self and family members. Dramatizations that pertain to "What Can You Do About It?" show how friends can point out the dangers that can result from drug use, but each person must accept friends' advice before any behavioral changes will occur. The concluding group of vignettes suggests that until juvenile drug and alcohol abusers face up to the consequences of their behavior for themselves and others and commit themselves to break the cycle of drug-abusing behavior, then they will continue to act destructively.