Alcohol Tobacco & Other Drugs

The use of drugs is a continuing problem in our society.  Children may be introduced to alcohol and other drugs as early as elementary school.  Studies show that the use of "gateway drugs" such as alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana at an early age is an indicator for future problems associated with illegal substances.  Homicides, suicides, and auto accidents are the leading causes of death and injury for adolescents.  The majority of these are the result of alcohol and other drug use.  Drug prevention education plays a vital role in our communities and schools by assisting young people to lead healthy, safe, and productive lives.

The Kids on the Block program on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention was designed as a drug prevention program to address the concerns associated with young people using illegal substances.  This educational puppet program focuses on topics that children in later elementary/early middle school should learn about: drugs and their effects on the body, communication skills, and peer pressure.

The puppet characters also address issues for the early elementary school student by discussing the proper use of medicines, defining "bad" drugs, and the dangers associated with tobacco.  As with any other drug prevention curriculum, the best way to use The Kids on the Block program is by coordinating it with other prevention efforts in the school and community.
 
 

SCRIPT SUMMARIES As students begin entering adolescence and are faced with choices regarding illegal substances, "Starting Over" can be used to focus on the effects of gateway drugs, the legality of alcohol and drugs, and the consequences of using alcohol and other drugs.  "Making the Right Choices" is designed to assist students with problem-solving skills and learning how to avoid situations where peer pressure may be difficult to resist.  The final script for older audiences, "Helping a Friend," explores why a person may choose to use substances, where to go for help, and alternatives to drug use.  For early elementary school children, "Up in Smoke" teaches about tobacco and its negative effects on the body.  Also targeted for younger audiences is the script, "It's Only Medicine," which provides information about what drugs are and why they do to the body, the differences between illegal drugs and medicines, and the importance of general health.	PUPPET BIOGRAPHIES Eric Van Aart "I used to think I couldn't have any fun unless I had some alcohol first.  But now, I know that's just NOT true." Paul Worthington "Okay, okay.  Get off my case.  It's not like I'm on drugs all the time and living on the streets." Joanne Spinoza "I don't know why anyone would want to smoke anyway.  It makes your clothes stink and your hair... YUCK!" Valerie Perkins "The coolest people I know are people who make up their own minds--not the ones who go along just because everyone else is doing it."
ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL SCRIPT Joanne is upset that Eric has attended Rob's pre-dance party after counseling her to avoid parties where there will be alcohol and other drug use.  Rob and Eric explain that alcohol and drug free parties are the most fun.  Joanne also learns more about the problems that alcohol and other drug use can cause.	ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL PUPPET CHARACTER Rob Watkins Rob and his family moved to the Woodburn area four years ago, so he felt very lucky when he quickly developed friendships with a group of neighborhood boys that included Eric Van Aart and Paul Worthington.  Rob soon felt like he fit right in...
REVIEWER RAVES "As a prevention specialist and treatment therapist, the KOB script contained all the components that address prevention and recovery.  WAY TO GO!  I really appreciated that 'options and alternatives to use' were included.  Too often we hear adolescents complain that they 'have nothing to do.'  Today's youth need gentle reminders that there are activities and options available to them that they already enjoy participating in." ~Dena G. Trail, MAEd Baltimore County Department of Health Bureau of Substance Abuse REVIEWER RAVES "Your curriculum was reviewed and found to be scientifically accurate, in conformance with public health principles and policies, and appropriate for the intended audience.  You are to be congratulated on developing this important product.  Prevention WORKS!" ~Luisa del. C. Pollard, M.A. Nat'l Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information Center for Substance Abuse Prevention

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