8.ATOD.3

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

8.ATOD.3.1 Use strategies to avoid riding in a car with someone impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Individuals should always seek a safe ride if they cannot drive themselves to their destination. A safe ride means a driver who is responsible, abides by the traffic laws, and is sober (not impaired by alcohol or other drugs). If one’s intended driver is impaired there are numerous strategies for seeking a safe ride home. Calling a close friend or family member for a ride, waiting in a safe location until a sober and responsible driver can be found, designating a driver if there are plans to consume alcohol or other drugs, using a taxi or driving service, or utilizing public transportation when available are all responsible strategies for protecting oneself and others and avoiding riding with an impaired driver.
 * The student will summarize various strategies that may be employed to avoid riding with an impaired driver.
 * The student will model refusing to ride in a car with an impaired driver.

8.ATOD.3.2 Identify positive alternatives to the use of alcohol and drugs.
Individuals may misuse or abuse drugs due to curiosity, low self-esteem, negative peer pressure, adult modeling, seeking mood alteration, to relieve boredom, or because they feel socially alienated with no sense of love or purpose in life. Young people need opportunities to develop their talents and skills to avoid feelings of low self-worth or issues associated with esteem. If adolescents are involved in an activity of interest during non-instructional hours, it helps to relieve feelings of boredom and isolation or alienation. It is important to develop and use assertive refusal skills and offer healthy alternatives when asked to use alcohol or drugs. Alternatives can include sports, music, dance, video games, fitness activities, faith-based activities, family events, school-sponsored clubs and leadership opportunities, community and volunteer service, big-brother/big-sister mentoring relationships, movies, recreational events and games (e.g., rock climbing, hiking, boating), all of which are more enjoyable and much safer sober.
 * The student will identify and select healthy alternatives to using alcohol and other drugs.

8.ATOD 3.3 Use advocacy skills to promote the avoidance of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs by others.
Effective advocacy messages are directed to a specific audience and a clear health-enhancing message is tailored to persuade individuals within that selected audience. An advocate must clearly articulate how and why the audience should make a change or support the message being received. The message must be supported with facts and show strong conviction for the position taken. Students should support the advocacy message of avoiding the use of alcohol tobacco and other drugs with facts and statistics and create engaging strategies to capture the attention of the intended audience.
 * The student will summarize effective advocacy strategies to encourage others to avoid the abuse of substances.
 * The student will demonstrate the ability to effectively advocate for a lifestyle free of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.