Initiating Community Initiating Community ActionsActions

CommunityCommunityThe term “community” implies some geographic The term “community” implies some geographic commonality: a specific city, town, village or commonality: a specific city, town, village or neighbourhood where people live, work, and learnneighbourhood where people live, work, and learn A community can also be defined in ethnic, tribal A community can also be defined in ethnic, tribal or cultural terms. or cultural terms. Alcohol and other drug problems are complex, Alcohol and other drug problems are complex, variable and unevenly distributed in the population. variable and unevenly distributed in the population. To deal with these problems effectively, To deal with these problems effectively, communities may attempt to develop comprehensive communities may attempt to develop comprehensive prevention programmes that involve multiple targets prevention programmes that involve multiple targets and a range of settings, to facilitate the widest and a range of settings, to facilitate the widest possible participation. possible participation. ““Community action” therefore an important Community action” therefore an important concept in prevention. concept in prevention.

CommunityCommunity need for and potential of comprehensive need for and potential of comprehensive

and community wide prevention efforts, and community wide prevention efforts, involving multiple levels, sectors, involving multiple levels, sectors, proportions, organizations and strategies. proportions, organizations and strategies.

An alcohol and other drugs free An alcohol and other drugs free community can be created through community can be created through process of community empowerment. process of community empowerment. Empowerment shifts the responsibility for Empowerment shifts the responsibility for planning and decision making from planning and decision making from agencies and professionals to the agencies and professionals to the communitycommunity

Community Empowerment Community Empowerment ParadigmsParadigms

Delivery of servicesDelivery of services

Professionals are Professionals are responsible (doing for responsible (doing for the community)the community)

Empowerment of Empowerment of CommunitiesCommunities

Responsibility is Responsibility is shared (doing with the shared (doing with the communities)communities)

Power is vested Power is vested in agenciesin agencies

Professional are Professional are seen as expertsseen as experts

Planning and Planning and services are services are responsive to responsive to each agency’s each agency’s missionmission

Power resides in Power resides in the communitiesthe communities

The community is The community is the expertthe expertServices and Services and activities are activities are planned and planned and implemented on implemented on the basis of the basis of community needs community needs and prioritiesand priorities

Cont….Cont….Planning and Planning and service delivery service delivery are fragmentedare fragmented

Leadership is Leadership is external and external and based on based on authority, position authority, position and titleand title

Planning and services Planning and services delivery are delivery are interdependent and interdependent and integrated integrated Leadership is from Leadership is from within the community, within the community, based on the ability to based on the ability to develop a shared develop a shared vision, maintain a broad vision, maintain a broad base of support, and base of support, and manage community manage community problem – solvingproblem – solving

Cont….Cont….Ethnic and cultural Ethnic and cultural differences are differences are denieddenied

External linkages are External linkages are limited to networking limited to networking and coordinationand coordination

The decision making The decision making process is closedprocess is closed

Accountability is to Accountability is to the agencythe agency

Ethnic diversity are Ethnic diversity are special populations special populations are valuedare valued

Cooperation and Cooperation and collaboration are collaboration are emphasizedemphasized

Decision – making is Decision – making is inclusiveinclusive

Accountability is to Accountability is to the communitythe community

Cont….Cont….The primary purpose The primary purpose of evaluation is to of evaluation is to determine fundingdetermine funding

Funding comes in Funding comes in lump sumlump sum

Community Community participation is limited participation is limited to providing input and to providing input and feedbackfeedback

Evaluation is used to Evaluation is used to check programme check programme development and development and decision- makingdecision- making

Funding is on critical Funding is on critical health issueshealth issues

Community is Community is maximally involved at maximally involved at all levelsall levels

Promoting Prevention Promoting Prevention Through a CATThrough a CAT

You can begin your prevention activities simply as You can begin your prevention activities simply as a part of your daily routine. a part of your daily routine. For example you could change the attitudes For example you could change the attitudes among your fiends and even people you meet among your fiends and even people you meet casually. casually. But to launch a comprehensive community wide But to launch a comprehensive community wide programme it is necessary to form a small group, programme it is necessary to form a small group, a community action team (CAT), say of five to ten a community action team (CAT), say of five to ten members at the beginning. members at the beginning. It would be advisable if this group consists of It would be advisable if this group consists of people who -people who -

Cont…..Cont…..

are interested in community work.are interested in community work.

could give you feedback about the could give you feedback about the process.process.

are able to devote some timeare able to devote some time

are familiar with the community and its are familiar with the community and its problemsproblems

Cont….Cont….

Explain to the individuals concerned why Explain to the individuals concerned why you feel they would be suited for you feel they would be suited for prevention activities and persuade them to prevention activities and persuade them to join the prevention effort. join the prevention effort. You may have to approach and have You may have to approach and have informal discussions with more than ten informal discussions with more than ten people before you get the cooperation of people before you get the cooperation of five.five.

The following points may be useful The following points may be useful to discuss in such an encounter.to discuss in such an encounter.

1.1. There is a duty cast on the community to prevent There is a duty cast on the community to prevent young people getting hooked, by taking young people getting hooked, by taking appropriate steps even before they start using appropriate steps even before they start using alcohol and other drugs.alcohol and other drugs.

2.2. There are numerous measures which can be There are numerous measures which can be implemented in this regard and a consorted effort implemented in this regard and a consorted effort will ensure success.will ensure success.

3.3. This preventive work should be regarded as the This preventive work should be regarded as the responsibility and challenge for the local responsibility and challenge for the local community itself rather than of any out side agencycommunity itself rather than of any out side agency

4.4. The alleviation and prevention of problems related The alleviation and prevention of problems related to alcohol and other drug use will make life more to alcohol and other drug use will make life more pleasant, enjoyable and happier for all members of pleasant, enjoyable and happier for all members of the community.the community.

Barriers to Mobilizing the Barriers to Mobilizing the CommunityCommunity

In your discussion certain questions and In your discussion certain questions and

objections may be raised. objections may be raised.

Suggested responses are indicated below:Suggested responses are indicated below:

1.1. How can we stop current uses How can we stop current uses who are hooked on these who are hooked on these drugs?drugs?

Our main aim is to minimize the problems Our main aim is to minimize the problems

related to alcohol and other drug use. related to alcohol and other drug use.

When users realize that prevention is not a When users realize that prevention is not a vendetta against them but rather an enterprise to vendetta against them but rather an enterprise to protect society as a whole, they are usually protect society as a whole, they are usually persuaded to support prevention efforts. persuaded to support prevention efforts.

This includes cooperating in efforts to reduce or This includes cooperating in efforts to reduce or stop use and to prevent potential new users stop use and to prevent potential new users initiating alcohol and other drug use initiating alcohol and other drug use

2. This type of prevention work has 2. This type of prevention work has been done in the past too, but been done in the past too, but no good has come of it.no good has come of it.

If there had been no such activities in the past If there had been no such activities in the past the situation could have been worse. the situation could have been worse.

Also we are now equipped with new innovative Also we are now equipped with new innovative approaches to prevention which are much approaches to prevention which are much more promising, and also enjoyable. more promising, and also enjoyable.

Cont…..Cont…..

Traditional approachTraditional approach

1.1. Fear tactic has been Fear tactic has been central and the central and the harm, caused by harm, caused by effects of substance effects of substance use was greatly use was greatly exaggerated. exaggerated.

Your new approachYour new approach

Not only the harm, but also the Not only the harm, but also the basis of the alleged positive basis of the alleged positive effects of substance use is also effects of substance use is also challenged. Such that the so challenged. Such that the so called effects of alcohol, for called effects of alcohol, for example enjoyment and mirth, example enjoyment and mirth, disinhibition, forgetting of worries, disinhibition, forgetting of worries, relaxation and so on, are not relaxation and so on, are not chemical effects of these chemical effects of these substances but the result of a substances but the result of a permissive environment, and permissive environment, and social beliefs and expectations, social beliefs and expectations, are stressed.are stressed.

2.2. The message was mostly The message was mostly given by experts, elders, given by experts, elders, or clergy using a didactic or clergy using a didactic process.process.

33 Activities were often Activities were often limited to seminars and limited to seminars and lectures.lectures.

4. Often seen as a struggle 4. Often seen as a struggle between non – users and between non – users and users.users.

Expertise is build within the Expertise is build within the community itself and the community itself and the expected change is brought expected change is brought about with the participation of about with the participation of allall

It is no longer confined to It is no longer confined to special campaigns and other special campaigns and other activities, but incorporated activities, but incorporated into people’s daily routine.into people’s daily routine.

Recognized as a joint activity Recognized as a joint activity involving all levels of usersinvolving all levels of users

5.5. Only more Only more disciplined and disciplined and serious minded serious minded people were people were involved.involved.

Not only these but fun Not only these but fun loving people are also loving people are also involved. A involved. A successful successful intervention effort will intervention effort will need the combined need the combined efforts of a efforts of a multifaceted task multifaceted task force.force.

3. When we engaged in preventive 3. When we engaged in preventive activities drug users will get offended activities drug users will get offended

Prevention is not a battle between users and Prevention is not a battle between users and non users.non users.

The community as a whole suffers from the The community as a whole suffers from the consequences and must respond as a whole consequences and must respond as a whole community. community.

This effort is for all of us, users included. This effort is for all of us, users included.

The prevention approach should not offend The prevention approach should not offend or in any way antagonize current users.or in any way antagonize current users.

4. Wouldn’t the families of illicit brewers 4. Wouldn’t the families of illicit brewers suffer if consumption falls?suffer if consumption falls?

If money being spent on alcohol, tobacco and other substances is If money being spent on alcohol, tobacco and other substances is saved it still gets spent on other activities, which also generate saved it still gets spent on other activities, which also generate income and employment.income and employment. These other ways of spending money will also generate jobs and These other ways of spending money will also generate jobs and income for people. income for people. The expenditure is usually on something which is of greater value The expenditure is usually on something which is of greater value to the community.to the community.

We also need to consider the harm caused to families by alcohol We also need to consider the harm caused to families by alcohol and other drug use. and other drug use.

Even the families that produce illicit liquor don’t usually function Even the families that produce illicit liquor don’t usually function very well as a family. Thus the loss of illicit liquor is not a loss to very well as a family. Thus the loss of illicit liquor is not a loss to the community, nor often to the families in the illicit alcohol tradethe community, nor often to the families in the illicit alcohol trade

5.5. How can we implement these How can we implement these activities alone?activities alone?

We certainly need to enlist the support of others in the community. We certainly need to enlist the support of others in the community. But it is not essential that we establish special organization to But it is not essential that we establish special organization to combat drug problems. The existing organizations, structures and combat drug problems. The existing organizations, structures and opportunities have all the utilized and involved in the Endeavour.opportunities have all the utilized and involved in the Endeavour.

You need not convince everyone at the start. The support of even You need not convince everyone at the start. The support of even a few of the people you approach will suffice initially.a few of the people you approach will suffice initially.

After getting together a community team the next step would be to After getting together a community team the next step would be to mobilize a wider group for launching the prevention efforts. As mobilize a wider group for launching the prevention efforts. As discussed earlier, this approach no longer considers specialized discussed earlier, this approach no longer considers specialized agencies and professionals solely responsible for solving alcohol agencies and professionals solely responsible for solving alcohol and other drug use problems. That responsibility lies with the and other drug use problems. That responsibility lies with the community. community.

Cont……Cont……The most important element for success in your The most important element for success in your community effort is enthusiasm and interest in the community effort is enthusiasm and interest in the group of people working to prevent drug problems.group of people working to prevent drug problems.

It is also important that the community action team It is also important that the community action team looks at ways of making their efforts as efficient and looks at ways of making their efforts as efficient and effective as possible. This requires assessing the effective as possible. This requires assessing the current situation, planning, monitoring and evaluation current situation, planning, monitoring and evaluation the prevention efforts. But most people who are keen the prevention efforts. But most people who are keen to work in the community are often not interested in to work in the community are often not interested in these aspects. If you can persuade them, try to induce these aspects. If you can persuade them, try to induce them, to make the initial assessment.them, to make the initial assessment.

The community action team has to find out answers to The community action team has to find out answers to some of the following questions initially, to assist in some of the following questions initially, to assist in systematic planning and implementation of activities.systematic planning and implementation of activities.

1.1. How is the community organized?How is the community organized?2.2. Which organizations and systems make Which organizations and systems make

important decisions?important decisions?3.3. Who are the key individuals in the community?Who are the key individuals in the community?4.4. What are the major drug and alcohol related What are the major drug and alcohol related

problems?problems?5.5. What are the patterns of alcohol & other drug What are the patterns of alcohol & other drug

use within the community?use within the community?6.6. What are the beliefs and attitudes regarding What are the beliefs and attitudes regarding

alcohol tobacco and other drug use within the alcohol tobacco and other drug use within the community?community?

7.7. What are the alcohol tobacco and other drugs What are the alcohol tobacco and other drugs promoting influences?promoting influences?

8.8. What community programmes already exist?What community programmes already exist?9.9. What existing legislation relates to drug use?What existing legislation relates to drug use?

Enabling the community to identify the Enabling the community to identify the extent of alcohol, tobacco and other drug extent of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use problems in the community use problems in the community

Very often, allowing the community to discover Very often, allowing the community to discover the extent of drug related harm is itself enough the extent of drug related harm is itself enough to initiate a response. to initiate a response.

Most people and communities are surprised Most people and communities are surprised when they discover the extent of financial outlay when they discover the extent of financial outlay on alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.on alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.

They can also be guided to discover the ways They can also be guided to discover the ways in which substance use promotes injustice and in which substance use promotes injustice and exploitation of the weakest segments of societyexploitation of the weakest segments of society

Communities are also often stimulated to Communities are also often stimulated to action when they find out what could be action when they find out what could be provided for the community if the expenditure provided for the community if the expenditure on these substance could be retained in their on these substance could be retained in their own hands. own hands.

Therefore it is very important for the Therefore it is very important for the community action team to calculate and community action team to calculate and discover this cost, at least approximately, and discover this cost, at least approximately, and create an awareness of this fact within the create an awareness of this fact within the community.community.

One way of calculating this is to take the One way of calculating this is to take the figures for bout 50 houses at random in the figures for bout 50 houses at random in the community through a survey, and generalizing community through a survey, and generalizing to the entire community. to the entire community.

Another approach is to investigate the Another approach is to investigate the personal experience and the observation of the personal experience and the observation of the participants, and based on these assess the participants, and based on these assess the amount through consensus.amount through consensus.

Expenditure can be estimated also by Expenditure can be estimated also by establishing friendly relationship with the licit and establishing friendly relationship with the licit and illicit sales outlets in the community. illicit sales outlets in the community.

This type of date could be obtained even This type of date could be obtained even through persons who already have contact with through persons who already have contact with the sales outlets.the sales outlets.

After obtaining the figures, the community could After obtaining the figures, the community could be informed in any suitable way, of the facts be informed in any suitable way, of the facts which emerge from the assessment.which emerge from the assessment.

Establishing IndicatorsEstablishing IndicatorsTo achieve success you should continually To achieve success you should continually assess the impact of your drug prevention assess the impact of your drug prevention programme.programme.

Observing the changes of attitudes towards Observing the changes of attitudes towards substance use and the level of use would be substance use and the level of use would be strong motivation for the organizers.strong motivation for the organizers.

It is therefore important to establish certain It is therefore important to establish certain indicators to evaluate the programme from indicators to evaluate the programme from time to time.time to time.

If the community has done their own assessment If the community has done their own assessment about the extent of drug use at the start, they could about the extent of drug use at the start, they could measure it again after, say one or two years to see measure it again after, say one or two years to see whether this has changed. whether this has changed.

The community could measure changes which occur The community could measure changes which occur earlier, such as a change in public attitude about earlier, such as a change in public attitude about alcohol use or drunken beheviour – even they cannot alcohol use or drunken beheviour – even they cannot accurately assess consumption.accurately assess consumption. For example, a reduction in glamour and manliness For example, a reduction in glamour and manliness that young people associate with alcohol use would be that young people associate with alcohol use would be such an intermediate change that could be assessed.such an intermediate change that could be assessed.

Identifying resourcesIdentifying resourcesIn the prevention activities of any given In the prevention activities of any given community, resources are needed. community, resources are needed.

One such resource is people. One such resource is people.

Inclusion of prevention activities into the Inclusion of prevention activities into the activities of all organizations, groups, and activities of all organizations, groups, and institutions in the community by lobbying their institutions in the community by lobbying their leaders and members will be a key factor in leaders and members will be a key factor in success. success.

For this purpose it is very important to make For this purpose it is very important to make them realize how prevention of substance use them realize how prevention of substance use furthers the aims and objectives of their own furthers the aims and objectives of their own individual organizations.individual organizations.

EDUCATING THE EDUCATING THE WIDER COMMUNITYWIDER COMMUNITY

EXPECTED CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITYEXPECTED CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITY

The ultimate expectation of the prevention efforts is The ultimate expectation of the prevention efforts is to create an environment where non user are not to create an environment where non user are not induced to start substance use, while uses are induced to start substance use, while uses are inspired to reduce or discontinue drug use . inspired to reduce or discontinue drug use .

To achieve this the community as a whole has to To achieve this the community as a whole has to refrain from glamorizing and mystifying alcohol and refrain from glamorizing and mystifying alcohol and other drugs , and related experience .other drugs , and related experience .

People can even work to reverse the existing People can even work to reverse the existing positive image about the alcohol and other drug positive image about the alcohol and other drug experience and the status given to it now . experience and the status given to it now .

This approach could be implemented by identifying This approach could be implemented by identifying the rituals and symbolic meanings which colours the rituals and symbolic meanings which colours and gives value to substance use , and then and gives value to substance use , and then changing the social influences through creative and changing the social influences through creative and innovative activities .innovative activities .

In such a changed environment people would see In such a changed environment people would see alcohol , tobacco and other drugs use as quite alcohol , tobacco and other drugs use as quite unglamorous and not invested with a special aura of unglamorous and not invested with a special aura of power , enjoyment , or relaxation .power , enjoyment , or relaxation .

The drug experience itself in such a milieu would The drug experience itself in such a milieu would be only the chemical experience , which in be only the chemical experience , which in laboratory studies is found to be quite unexciting laboratory studies is found to be quite unexciting and often unpleasant and often unpleasant

Even though who have used alcohol and Even though who have used alcohol and other substances for many years would , other substances for many years would , in such an environment , begin to in such an environment , begin to recognize the difference between pleasant recognize the difference between pleasant effects produced by conditioning over effects produced by conditioning over many years of use in happy occasions , many years of use in happy occasions , and the actual chemical effect . and the actual chemical effect .

The dependent persons also begin to The dependent persons also begin to recognize that the positive effect they find recognize that the positive effect they find in alcohol and other drug use is mainly the in alcohol and other drug use is mainly the relief from withdrawal discomfort . relief from withdrawal discomfort .

As the community grows to be more and As the community grows to be more and more enlightened , alcohol tobacco and more enlightened , alcohol tobacco and other drug use becomes seen as less and other drug use becomes seen as less and less magical and wonderful , and the less magical and wonderful , and the symbolic meanings attached to it start to symbolic meanings attached to it start to decline in importance .decline in importance .

The changes in the community can be The changes in the community can be catalogued as follows: catalogued as follows:

people , especially non – users , begin people , especially non – users , begin to see alcohol , tobacco and other drug to see alcohol , tobacco and other drug use in a new light .use in a new light .

They do not automatically assume that They do not automatically assume that alcohol and drug use is a highly alcohol and drug use is a highly pleasurable experience or that it helps pleasurable experience or that it helps people to forget there worries or to people to forget there worries or to relax. relax.

Drug users are looked at with sympathy Drug users are looked at with sympathy for the restriction that it imposes on for the restriction that it imposes on there lives – but they not given special there lives – but they not given special privileges to break social norms. privileges to break social norms.

Occasional alcohol users begin to re-examine Occasional alcohol users begin to re-examine their alcohol and other drugs experience. their alcohol and other drugs experience.

They discover that the chemical experience They discover that the chemical experience is not really present and see how the “culture” is not really present and see how the “culture” built around alcohol or other drugs are the built around alcohol or other drugs are the real contribution to the enjoyment.real contribution to the enjoyment.

Users find that the glamour is lost because Users find that the glamour is lost because the community no longer views drug use as the community no longer views drug use as special, and see them mainly as victims. special, and see them mainly as victims.

They discover also that others do not They discover also that others do not encourage them to victimize and molest encourage them to victimize and molest others under the guise of intoxication.others under the guise of intoxication.

Regular or daily users begin to understand that Regular or daily users begin to understand that alcohol and other drugs use is only alcohol and other drugs use is only pleasurable to the extent that it reduce the pleasurable to the extent that it reduce the discomfort that they experience when they discomfort that they experience when they don’t have the drug. don’t have the drug.

They admit to others too that they are driven to They admit to others too that they are driven to use the drug because of these withdrawal use the drug because of these withdrawal symptoms and not because of some joyous symptoms and not because of some joyous experience produced by the drug. experience produced by the drug.

Users and non-users alike work to Users and non-users alike work to prevent the spread of alcohol tobacco prevent the spread of alcohol tobacco and other drug use, and recognize the and other drug use, and recognize the losses it causes the community.losses it causes the community.

They do not see prevention as a battle They do not see prevention as a battle between users and non-users. between users and non-users.

The entire community challenges The entire community challenges statement, expressions, practices and statement, expressions, practices and rituals which invest drug use with which a rituals which invest drug use with which a special aura. special aura.

Finally, an environment is created where Finally, an environment is created where any person who uses alcohol, tobacco any person who uses alcohol, tobacco and other drugs discovers the and other drugs discovers the experience to be unattractive and experience to be unattractive and unpleasant. unpleasant.

CHANGING THE ENVIRONMENT CHANGING THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH CREATIVE ACTIVITIESTHROUGH CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

EXISITING EXISITING SITUATIONSITUATION

IDEALIDEALSITUATIONSITUATION

Community action in alcohol tobacco Community action in alcohol tobacco and other drug prevention can be and other drug prevention can be summarized as follows.summarized as follows.

Understanding the existing situation in Understanding the existing situation in the communitythe community

Understanding the ideal situationUnderstanding the ideal situation Changing the environment to wards the Changing the environment to wards the

ideal situation though creative activities.ideal situation though creative activities.

EXISTING SITUATION IN EXISTING SITUATION IN THE communityTHE community

Alcohol induced Alcohol induced behaviour is pardoned, behaviour is pardoned, thinking it happens thinking it happens without the knowledge without the knowledge of the doerof the doer

IDEAL SITUATION IN IDEAL SITUATION IN THE IN THE communityTHE IN THE community

Inappropriate behaviour Inappropriate behaviour after alcohol use is not after alcohol use is not excused. It is considered excused. It is considered as an attempt to deceive as an attempt to deceive others and others and others and others and therefore committing two therefore committing two offences. offences.

Comical behaviour by Comical behaviour by an individual who has an individual who has consumed alcohol is consumed alcohol is reinforced through reinforced through laughter and cheering laughter and cheering by onlookers. by onlookers.

An individual who has An individual who has consumed alcohol is consumed alcohol is clear off responsibility clear off responsibility to wards job and to wards job and familyfamily

Reinforcement for Reinforcement for such behaviour is not such behaviour is not given. Such behaviour given. Such behaviour is not tolerated and is is not tolerated and is publicly opposed.publicly opposed.

The individual is not The individual is not allowed to withdraw allowed to withdraw from responsibility. from responsibility. The individual is The individual is expected to carry all expected to carry all responsibility to his responsibility to his job and family job and family

It is considered that It is considered that alcohol tobacco and alcohol tobacco and other drug use is other drug use is enjoyable and gives enjoyable and gives satisfaction satisfaction

Belief that a alcohol Belief that a alcohol and other drug use and other drug use helps to relax and to helps to relax and to forget worries forget worries

The realization that alcohol The realization that alcohol and other drug use is not and other drug use is not enjoyable and will even limit enjoyable and will even limit ones life ones life

Understand that these are not Understand that these are not the chemical effects of such the chemical effects of such substances. Belief that substances. Belief that problems increase and one problems increase and one becomes tired and becomes tired and uncomfortable when using uncomfortable when using alcohol and other drugs alcohol and other drugs

Being influenced by Being influenced by alcohol and tobacco alcohol and tobacco advertising advertising

The real unpleasant The real unpleasant effects of alcohol and effects of alcohol and other drugs are not other drugs are not properly seen, properly seen, questioned or questioned or discloseddisclosed

Understand that Understand that increases is self increases is self confidence or decrease confidence or decrease in fear are not the in fear are not the chemical effects of chemical effects of alcohol but the effects of alcohol but the effects of socialization and socialization and conditioning conditioning

The comprehension that The comprehension that alcohol and other drugs alcohol and other drugs actually cause actually cause discomfort. No fear in discomfort. No fear in openly disclosing that openly disclosing that alcohol is unpleasant alcohol is unpleasant

Glamorize and Glamorize and exaggerate the exaggerate the alcohol and other alcohol and other drug use. drug use.

There is a wonderful, There is a wonderful, desirable culture desirable culture surrounding alcohol surrounding alcohol tobacco and other tobacco and other drug use drug use

Deglamorize the Deglamorize the alcohol and other alcohol and other drug use and make it drug use and make it a foolish, stupid a foolish, stupid activity. Attempts at activity. Attempts at glorifying drug use glorifying drug use are actively opposedare actively opposed

The culture The culture surrounding drug use surrounding drug use is undesirable and is undesirable and silly. Alcohol and silly. Alcohol and other drugs promoting other drugs promoting culture is ridiculed culture is ridiculed

Glamorize and Glamorize and exaggerate the exaggerate the alcohol and other alcohol and other drug use. drug use.

There is a wonderful, There is a wonderful, desirable culture desirable culture surrounding alcohol surrounding alcohol tobacco and other tobacco and other drug use drug use

Deglamorize the Deglamorize the alcohol and other alcohol and other drug use and make it drug use and make it a foolish, stupid a foolish, stupid activity. Attempts at activity. Attempts at glorifying drug use glorifying drug use are actively opposedare actively opposed

The culture The culture surrounding drug use surrounding drug use is undesirable and is undesirable and silly. Alcohol and silly. Alcohol and other drugs promoting other drugs promoting culture is ridiculed culture is ridiculed

INITIATING PUBLIC DISCUSSION After forming a community action team and assessing the After forming a community action team and assessing the needs for prevention the next step is to spread the needs for prevention the next step is to spread the prevention message to the wider public.prevention message to the wider public. This could be achieved by holding a public discussion on This could be achieved by holding a public discussion on what changes have to be made to reduce and prevent what changes have to be made to reduce and prevent alcohol and other drug use within the community. alcohol and other drug use within the community. This could also be achieved by using ordinary channels of This could also be achieved by using ordinary channels of day to day communication. for a formal discussion, it is very day to day communication. for a formal discussion, it is very important to get the participation of community leaders, important to get the participation of community leaders, government officials, representatives from voluntary government officials, representatives from voluntary organisations and as many persons as possible from the organisations and as many persons as possible from the different sectors of the general public. different sectors of the general public. The venue could be a school, place of worship, a community The venue could be a school, place of worship, a community centre or a home.centre or a home.

You could arrange the participation of You could arrange the participation of existing voluntary organisations through existing voluntary organisations through their office bearers, representatives from their office bearers, representatives from religious denominations, representatives religious denominations, representatives of sports organisations and youth clubs, of sports organisations and youth clubs, and the general public by displaying a and the general public by displaying a notice or a poster. notice or a poster.

Tobacco, alcohol, and other drug users be Tobacco, alcohol, and other drug users be represented at this meeting.\represented at this meeting.\

SUGGESTED INTERVENTIONSSUGGESTED INTERVENTIONSExplain to young people the real basis of the Explain to young people the real basis of the presumed pleasure in alcohol and other drug use.presumed pleasure in alcohol and other drug use.Explain that alcohol and other drugs does not Explain that alcohol and other drugs does not help to forget problems, but they aggravate the help to forget problems, but they aggravate the problems.problems.demonstrate that drunken behaviour is generally demonstrate that drunken behaviour is generally under good volitional control. work towards under good volitional control. work towards debilitating the social acceptance of alcohol debilitating the social acceptance of alcohol induced misbehaviour. do not pardon such induced misbehaviour. do not pardon such behaviour on the assumption that alcohol behaviour on the assumption that alcohol disinhibits men and magically turns them into disinhibits men and magically turns them into beasts. challenge the phrases such as “I was beasts. challenge the phrases such as “I was under the influence ……..I can’t remember a under the influence ……..I can’t remember a thing…….” when referring intoxicated behaviour.thing…….” when referring intoxicated behaviour.

A void using words such as “ as high as a kite, A void using words such as “ as high as a kite, smashed, one for the road, drink you under the smashed, one for the road, drink you under the taboo, cheers, bottoms up etc….. with the taboo, cheers, bottoms up etc….. with the connotation of fun, pleasure, strength and connotation of fun, pleasure, strength and vitality when referring to alcohol use.vitality when referring to alcohol use.

question people carefully when they describe question people carefully when they describe their alcohol taking habits, rituals and their alcohol taking habits, rituals and experience. Ask them to speak the truth.experience. Ask them to speak the truth.

Demonstrate that a alcohol and the drug use Demonstrate that a alcohol and the drug use is a sign of weak character and lack of self is a sign of weak character and lack of self esteem.esteem.

Distort or modify advertisements etc. which Distort or modify advertisements etc. which depicts alcohol and tobacco products, in false depicts alcohol and tobacco products, in false positive light and display these publicly positive light and display these publicly

Indicate that the use of alcohol and tobacco is Indicate that the use of alcohol and tobacco is unpleasant. Voice your disapproval at those unpleasant. Voice your disapproval at those who smokes next you. Tell them it reeks and who smokes next you. Tell them it reeks and kindly request them to refrain from smoking.kindly request them to refrain from smoking.

Dispose ash trays and alcohol bottles which Dispose ash trays and alcohol bottles which have been kept for ornamental purposeshave been kept for ornamental purposes

Always challenge the mythes and , Always challenge the mythes and , misconceptions about alcohol and other drugs misconceptions about alcohol and other drugs that are held without evidence. If statements that are held without evidence. If statements promoting alcohol are made, oppose this and promoting alcohol are made, oppose this and explain the truth.explain the truth.

Refrain form laughing and thereby promoting Refrain form laughing and thereby promoting irrational behaviour after the use of alcohol.irrational behaviour after the use of alcohol.

Discuss with shop owners and convince them to Discuss with shop owners and convince them to remove alcohol and tobacco advertisements. remove alcohol and tobacco advertisements. Do not serve alcohol or cigarettes at functions Do not serve alcohol or cigarettes at functions held at home.held at home.If there are individuals who are using alcohol or If there are individuals who are using alcohol or tobacco at home calculate the amount tobacco at home calculate the amount expended on them in a month.expended on them in a month.Ridicule alcohol tobacco and other drug use, Ridicule alcohol tobacco and other drug use, and state that it is a stupid or insane act.and state that it is a stupid or insane act.In a party, make others realize that you are In a party, make others realize that you are having more fun while not using alcohol. This is having more fun while not using alcohol. This is because you are not experiencing the negative because you are not experiencing the negative consequences of alcohol use such as nausea, consequences of alcohol use such as nausea, dizziness, thirst and in- coordination.dizziness, thirst and in- coordination.

Exhibition of several slogans which depicts the emptiness of alcohol, Exhibition of several slogans which depicts the emptiness of alcohol, and tobacco use. A few examples of such slogans;and tobacco use. A few examples of such slogans;

Alcohol and tobacco snatch away our happinessAlcohol and tobacco snatch away our happiness Yuk, Its’ beerYuk, Its’ beer Drink if you must, but would you dare admit its unpleasant?Drink if you must, but would you dare admit its unpleasant? Those who get caught to alcohol are those with low intelligence. It is our Those who get caught to alcohol are those with low intelligence. It is our

responsibility to save and protect them.responsibility to save and protect them. Don’t be fooled by the myths of alcohol and tobacco Don’t be fooled by the myths of alcohol and tobacco Alcohol is unpleasantAlcohol is unpleasant Alcohol and Tobacco- Most damaging to sports.Alcohol and Tobacco- Most damaging to sports. Tough guys don’t smokeTough guys don’t smoke Life is bitter with beerLife is bitter with beer aha, you’re a non-smokeraha, you’re a non-smoker ““Booze” not a problem, Just a pain Booze” not a problem, Just a pain Smoking is a shameSmoking is a shame Girls hate smokersGirls hate smokers No drugs…, No fools…No drugs…, No fools… Non smokers are winnersNon smokers are winners I love non-smokersI love non-smokers Don’t let alcohol, Spoil the rhythm of the danceDon’t let alcohol, Spoil the rhythm of the dance We are free, “Poor John” still smokes We are free, “Poor John” still smokes Alcohol and Sports. Do not mixAlcohol and Sports. Do not mix

Make people realise that using alcohol Make people realise that using alcohol after a demanding job, does not reduce after a demanding job, does not reduce fatigue but only increases it. fatigue but only increases it.

Wearing clothes which advertise Wearing clothes which advertise alcohol and tobacco while playing a sport alcohol and tobacco while playing a sport is an insult to that sport. Refrain from is an insult to that sport. Refrain from wearing such clothes.wearing such clothes.Motivate users of alcohol and tobacco to Motivate users of alcohol and tobacco to reduce their consumption, and collect the reduce their consumption, and collect the money which they save over a period of money which they save over a period of one or two months in a separate till. This one or two months in a separate till. This money can be used on something useful money can be used on something useful or pleasant.or pleasant.