LESSON The Role of the Youth in

2 Drug Abuse Prevention

Objectives:
✓ Identify how the youth can participate in drug detection and prevention;
✓ Have a better sense of appreciation for the role of the youth in society building;
✓ Put into daily practice their positive influence over their peers, especially when it comes to
avoiding the drug menace; and
✓ Disseminate information on drug abuse education and prevention.

Introduction
Under the context of UNODC’s program of work in drug prevention, there are several
measures that support and complement youth participation. These measures aim to correct the
misconception that young people have limited capabilities to contribute to substance use
prevention. The word ‘prevention’ is confusing for many young people today. Some would even
think that they are not influenced by prevention, and some might not think about it at all.
However, most young people are actively working hard to avoid the initiation of drug abuse
both within the individual and the peer level. The fact is that prevention may not often be seen by
our youth, not because it still provides a lot of gray areas, but because it is too broad and deeply
rooted in their lives.

Activity
Letter to the Authority
As an N.S.T.P. student, prepare a letter of appeal addressed to concerned authorities in
the attempt to look for possible solutions in combating the drug problem in our country as member
of a youth organization. Please refer to the letter format provided for the said purpose.

_________________
_______________
_______________

________________,
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

Sincerely,
_____________
 Let’s Ponder!

1. Does the youth organization in your community participate in activities that promotes drug
prevention? What do they do?
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________________________________________________________________________

2. Did you involve yourself in those activities? If not, what hinder you to do so?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. If your answer is “yes”, would you like to do it again? Why?

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Abstraction
WHO notes that drugs affect young people in every part of the world. They may use drugs,
be involved in the cultivation or production of drugs, or are used as couriers. Factors such as the
personal, micro level (influence of the family, school, or peers), and macro level (their
socioeconomic and physical environment) interplay may cause young people to be more
vulnerable to substance use. A large body of research has suggested that early (12–14 years old)
to late (15–17 years old) adolescence is a “critical risk period” at which adolescents may engage
in substance abuse, before it peaks at around 18 – 25 years old.
Quite a number of young people dabble in drugs to try and be able to cope with social and
psychological challenges during the different phases of their development. Others have far more
tragic reasons, such as using drugs or other regulated substances like nicotine or alcohol as a way
to cope with physical or sexual abuse.
The immediate sense of euphoria from substances that are usually readily available and at
a low price, only serves to push more youth into using and abusing these items.

Engaging the Youth in Drug Prevention

The International Youth Foundation espouses that “Young people are not problems to be
solved, but problem solvers themselves,” which is a claim that rings true, because the young people
of society are integral voices in helping shape our culture, government, and society at large.
There are many reasons why youth’s participation in development programmes are vital.
Their unique skills and innovative ideas to communicate and reach-out to people can be of extreme
help to communities such as but not limited to disseminating information through media.
Participation provides young people with a sense of purpose and direction, giving them the feeling
of being more connected to the activities and taking accountability of the programme’s mission
(UNODCCP, 2002).
In a study entitled “Youth Participation in Drug Prevention Programmes,” Poole, stated
that the “unique experiences, viewpoints and vitality,” of young people make them capable of
making extremely important contributions to their immediate communities and society as a whole.
Encouraging the participation of young people in drug prevention programs and allowing them to
communicate their message in their own unique way is an example of recognizing the “vast
potential” of young people for productiveness and responsibility (Poole et. Al., 2005).

The Value of the Youth in Participating the Drug Prevention

Poole in her study notes the following advantages of engaging the youth sector in drug
prevention:
1. Morals and character are developed
• The youth are empowered to question what is happening around them, and gain confidence
in themselves to think critically, especially when they support each other.

2. The youth listens to their fellows

• Young people are some of the most effective teachers, reliable messengers, and successful
recruiters who can convince their peers to join any cause. There is no one better at knowing
youth attitudes and behaviors than the people living these experiences.

3. A foundation for a good adult life

• Deliberately keeping young people uninformed and making them unable to contribute only
leads to future problems that can be avoided.

4. A direct reflection of what young people want and need

• Young people have a lot to say and contribute. Young people understand that drug
prevention is a crucial issue, and they also know they are great sources of information. They
realize the importance of drug prevention because it is better to help youth avoid drugs
rather than try to stop them after addiction.

T.E.N. (10) WAYS TO SAY "NO" TO DRUGS

1. Use your voice, just say "NO" and mean it!
2. Show them an image of clean living for yourself.
3. Get into sports.
4. Choose your friends and influence them positively.
5. Get involved in community-based projects.
6. Join organizations (church, school, community, or social) or youth clubs.
7. Learn how to manage stress.
8. Join seminars on anti-drug abuse prevention.
9. Talk to your family, listen to the problems of your brothers and sisters.
10. Enhance your talents or skills by taking part in workshops, training or seminars.

To be involved in drug prevention and control requires a S.T.R.O.N.G. group:

S – Steadfast personality
T – Trustworthy in words and deeds
R – Respectable in relating to others
O – Open-minded in facing situations
N – Noble character
G – Gusty actions and ideas
 Nobody, especially a teenager, likes to be lectured about what they can or cannot do. Thus,
we shall provide the facts that allow a person to make an informed decision on their own to remain
drug-free. The light that will shed success to this plan would be student participation

Community Leaders' Advocacy to Prevent Drug Abuse

1. Plan and implement social action programs involving young people, civic groups,
professionals, and religious organizations to improve life in the community. The following
activities must be implemented in the community:
a) Parent Education Programs
b) Recreational, Social, and Sports Programs
c) Vocational/Skills Development and Training Programs
d) Youth Development Programs
e) Seminars on Drug Education

2. Participate and assist in the implementation of RA 6425 also known as the Dangerous Drug
Act of 1972 by:
a) motivating known drug abusers to undergo treatment and rehabilitation;
b) reporting drug pushers, drug den maintainers, and drug traffickers to the law enforcement
agencies or authorities;
c) encouraging and supporting the establishment of community guidance clinics for drug
users;
d) helping after-care rehabilitated clients to be accepted back to their community and
involving them in meaningful and productive activities; and
e) helping discharged clients strengthen their moral and spiritual values.

What should the CWTS students and parents do to help prevent drug abuse?
The CWTS students can help parents in the following aspects:
1. Create a warm and friendly atmosphere in the home.
2. Assist parents in developing effective means of communication with their children, and for the
children to be open and honest to their parents.
3. Help parents learn how to understand and accept their children for who they are.
4. Assist parents on how to listen and respect the opinions of their children.
5. Motivate parents to develop strategies on how to be with their children in spite of their being
busy.
6. Educate parents on how to strengthen the moral and spiritual values of their children.
7. Assist parents on how to teach responsibility to their children by giving duties commensurate
to their age.

Application
Instructions: Think and ponder on the question asked below. Explain your answer in not less than
200 words.
(The instructor will provide rubric for this activity)
1. What should the CWTS students do to help prevent drug abuse?
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