Teen Health, Course 1

Chapter 10: Alcohol and Other Drugs

Parent Letters - English

Parent Letter and Activities
For use with Chapter 10

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Your student’s health class is currently studying alcohol and other drugs. The topics include the effects of alcohol on the body, the effects and dangers of drug abuse, drug and alcohol addiction and their treatment, and ways to stay substance-free.

Questions your child will consider include: How does alcohol affect a person’s health? How do drugs affect all sides of a person’s health triangle? What resources are available to people who abuse substances and their families? What are some ways to avoid alcohol and drug use? What are the benefits to staying substance-free? With your help, your student will explore these topics with confidence and find answers that will provide information for making healthful choices. Your participation in the exploration of this material is vital.

To support and extend our classroom work, please set aside some time during the next few weeks to complete one or more of the following activities with your child.

• Share your own experiences with refusing alcohol or other drugs. Let him or her know that many people have experienced pressure to use these substances.
• Role play scenarios where someone tries to get your child to try drugs or alcohol. Give him or her practice in employing refusal skills.