This unique program asks viewers a series of questions to help them focus on whether or not they have a problem with alcohol and other drugs. Questions include: Does your use of drugs or alcohol cause problems at school or at home? Have you found that you need increased amounts of alcohol or other drugs in order to get intoxicated or high? Do you feel like you would like to cut down or control your drinking or use of other drugs but can’t? After each question, viewers hear the personal reflections of young recovering addicts and comments from a leading addiction expert. At the end of the program, students are asked to assess their responses. Program also offers specific advice about how to get help.
Includes:
video, plus teacher’s resource book, student handouts and pre/post tests in digital format
Reviews
Recommended 3 out of 4 stars
Many young people who drink alcohol or take drugs may think they’re “only experimenting” or “just having a good time,” but they could actually be well on the way to becoming addicted. How can you tell the difference? Do I have a Problem? Recognizing Drug and Alcohol Addiction asks a series of 12 questions that will help viewers identify red flags indicating addiction, while also educating them about the physical and psychological stages of addictive behavior. Each question—such as “Do you try to hide that you are using drugs or alcohol?” or “Have you ever engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain alcohol or other drugs?”—is followed by answers from recovering teen addicts who describe their experiences. An adult psychologist also offers insights and shares facts. The program concludes by telling viewers how to analyze their answers and suggests resources for getting help if needed. Featuring an in-depth accompanying curriculum that further explores the topic, this is recommended.
- E. Gieschen
Video Librarian
A pair of teen narrators, expert advice from an adult substance abuse counselor, dramatic reenactments, and a parade of testimonials from recovering substance abusers comprise this well-intentioned program. While the publisher states that the program is interactive, there is no electronic feedback. The narrators, who face forward in a rather stiff delivery, pose questions to viewers to determine if they have a problem with alcohol and other drugs. Ersatz cinematic frames surround printed questions, presumably to provide a documentary feel. Dramatic reenactments are interspersed between interviews with diverse youth who have succumbed to various substance abuse habits and are now in recovery. A counselor offers accurate, clinical observations, and calmly discusses some very disturbing results of substance abuse and addiction. Viewers are told, though, that recovery is within reach. Students will find the program somewhat convincing, despite the stilted delivery by the narrator. The useful teacher's guide includes pre- and post-viewing questions, objectives, and supplementary study materials.
—Robin Levin, Ft. Washakie School/Community Library, Ft. Washakie, WY
School Library Journal