Forum: Close to HomeTopic: What elements are important in a prevention program?Topic Posted by: Close To HomeDate Posted: Wed Mar 18 15:22:22 1998
Posted by: Steve Date posted: Tue Apr 7 11:39:05 1998 Subject: "From Chocolate to Morphine" Message: Dr. Andrew Weil wrote a book, "From Chocolate to Morphine," that is his attempt to present straight facts about drugs to kids (and to parents, for that matter). His basic thesis is, "There are no good or bad drugs, only good and bad relationships with drugs." From that he proceeds to explain the effects of the common (and not so common) drugs, their dangers, and how to ensure you have a "good" relationship (basically "take it or leave it") with that drug. Along the way he asks questions like, "Why do you want to take drugs? Is that a good reason?" It is far removed from "Just say no," but it is scrupulously straightforward, honest, and objective. I doubt it could stand alone as the only component of a prevention program, but I think it would have a much better chance of reaching kids than all the "Just say no" hype. For one thing, the way it presents drugs is almost boring; it doesn't glamorize them or make them "the forbidden fruit." (We know how well that approach worked with Adam and Eve, and that aspect of human nature hasn't changed in the ensuing umpteen-thousand years.) I think it would tend to go a long way to satisfying curiosity and get kids thinking about responsible choices. And, if a kid does decide to experiment, I think the information would help the kid to experiment responsibly, so he would have a better chance of coming through the experience in one piece. But I sure don't know; if anyone else has read the book, I'd be interested in hearing your opinion. Following message | |
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