- Look at prejudices that society has against people who suffer with addictions, and encourage students to examine their own values and prejudices. Break down stereotypes by providing examples of people with drug problems who do not fit preconceived ideas that people may have. Give them information on how drug treatment units show respect to the addict by treating addiction as a disease.
- Encourage students to find out how marijuana affects the body--from its inhalation to its dissemination to the body's cells through the bloodstream. Support them as they create a map of the body, showing the journey of the drug to various parts of the body, such as the lungs and brain. Document the effects of the drug on each part of the anatomy, including its effect on mental health, the sexual organs and the liver.
- Heroin is considered a particularly dangerous drug because of its addictive potential. It affects the pleasure centers in the brain so intensely that a user can become addicted to it after just a few uses. The drug's high street value links it directly with criminal activity, which usually arises out of the addict's desperation to obtain the drug.
A fascinating project for students would be to trace the dangers of using the drug, from its first use, up to the effects of becoming addicted to it. This includes self-neglect, criminal behavior, mental deterioration and the breakdown of relationships. Explore how the police, hospitals and addiction treatment units become involved. - Alcohol is often overlooked by drug projects because it is legal. It is a highly addictive substance, with the potential to do great damage to the abuser's physical and mental health, and family relationships.
A project on alcohol could compare its dangers with illegal drugs, and examine the laws covering alcohol in the past 100 years. Also compare the costs to police departments and hospitals that have to deal with alcohol-related incidents.
Without Prejudice
Marijuana Uses and Abuses
Dangers of Heroin
Alcohol
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