You can download the Discussion Guide using the "downloads" selection on the menu at the top of this page. This guide includes questions and activities to help you begin discussing the dangers of prescription drug abuse with your class. It is divided into three areas:

• Initial Perceptions of Drugs and Prescription Drugs
  A good way to initiate a discussion about drug abuse is to get a sense of what drugs your group is familiar with, their perceptions of these drugs, and their perceptions of people who abuse these drugs. Ask the kids in your group to rank the drugs they mention from "least dangerous" to "most dangerous," and to explain their rankings. Then have them place "prescription drug abuse" on their danger spectrum. The result is usually eye-opening. Many kids do not realize that abusing prescription drugs can be as dangerous as using illegal drugs such as heroin or crack.

• Myths/Facts about Prescription Drug Abuse
  This section can be utilized like a True/False quiz. The "myths" in this section are typical reasons kids give for abusing prescription drugs recreationally. The "Painfully Obvious^®" facts show what the actual results of prescription drug abuse can be, and are stated in language that is especially attention-getting and relevant to kids.

• Class Activities
  This section provides ideas for discussion topics and activities that can lead to a better understanding of the dangers of prescription drug abuse. For example, one of the activities asks kids to describe what it would be like to be addicted to something, or how addiction might affect the life of their favorite celebrity. This discussion provides a platform from which kids can begin to understand how addiction to a substance would truly affect them. The "hypothetical" nature of the question may also elicit real-life stories that the kids will begin to see within the context of this new information. Discussions about individuality, self-respect, and trust show kids how these important elements of their life can be destroyed by drug addiction.

Remember: Drug abuse is a sensitive subject. Many kids may find this topic difficult to talk about honestly. Before you start, be sure to tell your group that they will not get in trouble for sharing their experiences. To make this a useful conversation, confidentiality must be stressed and honored.

PAINFULLY OBVIOUS® — "Be sure to check out all of the other sections." Background What Kids Believe about Prescription Drugs Behavioral Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse Physical Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse Learning Activities Discussion Guide Other Resources

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