February 2018

This unit, titled “Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco” provides lessons and activities that address the importance of social skills and problem-solving skills related to alcohol, drugs and tobacco. As we assist our young adults in the transition from school to work, it is necessary that they receive training related to the social skills and problem-solving skills that can help them make smart and healthy life choices. Making smart choices begins with understanding the facts about alcohol, drugs and tobacco, as well as knowing when and how to say no. This unit will provide our young adults with the tools needed to stand up to peer pressure, lead a healthy lifestyle, and make smart, well-informed life choices.

The unit stories help young adults learn the importance of making smart choices in situations that involve alcohol, drugs or tobacco. In the first story, a young man allows peer pressure to get in the way of his better judgement and makes the mistake of drinking too much alcohol. He learns that not all friends are good friends, and vows to be more responsible with alcohol in the future. In the second story, a young woman makes the personal choice not to drink, do drugs or smoke. When she goes to a party, she is prepared to say no to people that try to pressure her into doing things she does not want to do. Three articles offer more information about alcohol, drugs and tobacco, as well as effective methods for dealing with peer pressure.

Regular monthly lessons offer our young adults the opportunity to practice making smart and healthy choices. Hobbies and activities that can be done in place of drinking, smoking or doing drugs are addressed in banking and budgeting lessons. Daily living skills that are needed to live a healthy lifestyle are addressed in cooking activities, which include five different recipes. Social and problem-solving skills are the focus of the daily social trivia lesson, offering more opportunity for our young adults to make smart choices in situations that involve alcohol, drugs, tobacco and peer pressure.

Employment continues to be a regularly emphasized topic throughout several lessons each month. Vocationally-focused lessons include opportunities to practice reading job ads, completing job applications and practicing interview skills. Simple, realistic scenarios address job skills that are beneficial for our young adults to practice. The final lesson highlights volunteering as a way to practice job skills and gain practical work experience.