Drug and Alcohol Attention Grabbers™ - Keys

Drug and Alcohol Attention Grabbers™ - Keys

Over the next few weeks, NIMCO will be sharing some "Attention Grabber™" ideas that you can use in class to help teach about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The “Attention Grabbers™” are designed to assist with teaching and speaking about the adverse effects alcohol and drugs cause to all who are exposed to these addictive drugs. We live in a visual society, making visual aids a needed resource to assist with speaking or teaching thus enabling you to reach your entire audience. The suggestions are designed to assist your alcohol and drug education programs. You may expound upon each scenario as your presentation or speaking time allows. Each “Attention Grabber™” is very cost effective to present with the suggested visual aids to reiterate the information given during your presentation. These "Attention Grabber™" ideas are also great for Red Ribbon Week!

Supplies:

• Set of car keys

• Inexpensive toy car or truck

Directions:

Hold up the keys and tell the group that this is the set of keys to your brand-new (car or truck). Ask a volunteer  to come up front. Hand the keys to your volunteer and tell him or her you are giving them your new (car or truck).  

Explain in detail about the vehicle (color, interior, sound system etc.). Describe a vehicle that is very appealing to the group you are speaking too.

Ask the volunteer if they are excited about their new vehicle? Ask if they will let someone drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs drive their new vehicle? Their response should be no and ask the reason they said no.

• Some possible responses they may say are:

• Its illegal

• It’s dangerous

When you use drugs or alcohol, you lose your control.

Use this opportunity to point out they should not take the chance of wrecking their body or life.

Add more reasons as your time and group discussion will allow. Explain to the group that when someone uses drugs or alcohol and gets behind the wheel not only does it affect them but also

whoever is with them and anyone they meet on the highway. Take this opportunity to explain that drugs and alcohol are always a dangerous and sometimes deadly combination, especially if you are behind the wheel.

Thank the volunteer for his or her participation and tell them you are sorry but you really don’t have a new vehicle for them, but you have this. Hand them the toy (car or truck) and ask everyone to give

them a nice applause for their participation.

Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Free Lanyard (CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE)

Drug and Alcohol Attention Grabbers™ - False Advertising

Drug and Alcohol Attention Grabbers™ - False Advertising

Over the next few weeks, NIMCO will be sharing some "Attention Grabber™" ideas that you can use in class to help teach about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The “Attention Grabbers™” are designed to assist with teaching and speaking about the adverse effects alcohol and drugs cause to all who are exposed to these addictive drugs. We live in a visual society, making visual aids a needed resource to assist with speaking or teaching thus enabling you to reach your entire audience. The suggestions are designed to assist your alcohol and drug education programs. You may expound upon each scenario as your presentation or speaking time allows. Each “Attention Grabber™” is very cost effective to present with the suggested visual aids to reiterate the information given during your presentation. These "Attention Grabber™" ideas are also great for Red Ribbon Week!

Supplies:

• Assorted magazines that appeal to youth

• Scissors

• Shopping bag or trash bag with handles

Alcohol ad targeting video gamers.

Directions:

Divide the students in groups and give each group magazines, scissors, and a trash bag. The task is for the students to remove any item or picture that involves liquor, beer, or wine. As the students busy themselves with this task, encourage discussion about how alcohol companies target youth and try to make their ads so appealing it seems like everyone drinks. Point out to students that a recent survey across America showed a decline in alcohol consumption among youth. 

As the students edit the magazine for alcohol ads, ask each group to select the most sizzling and appealing ad they find and discard the rest in their trash bag. You may award the group with the most trash and the group with the alcohol ad that appeals most to the students. Use this opportunity to point out that alcohol companies target youth. Remind the students that the alcohol companies only want their money and are not concerned about addiction or other side effects caused by alcohol use.

Suggested supplemental materials may be purchased at

 www.nimcoinc.com

Too Smart to Start - 13 Poster Set (CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE)

Drug and Alcohol Attention Grabbers™ - Personal Testimony

Drug and Alcohol Attention Grabbers™ - Personal Testimony

Over the next few weeks, NIMCO will be sharing some "Attention Grabber™" ideas that you can use in class to help teach about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The “Attention Grabbers™” are designed to assist with teaching and speaking about the adverse effects alcohol and drugs cause to all who are exposed to these addictive drugs. We live in a visual society, making visual aids a needed resource to assist with speaking or teaching thus enabling you to reach your entire audience. The suggestions are designed to assist your alcohol and drug education programs. You may expound upon each scenario as your presentation or speaking time allows. Each “Attention Grabber™” is very cost effective to present with the suggested visual aids to reiterate the information given during your presentation. These "Attention Grabber™" ideas are also great for Red Ribbon Week!

Supplies:

• 1 large piece of cardboard or thin plywood

• Gray and Black Paint

• Small group of silk flowers

Directions:

Take your cardboard and make a tombstone inscribed with a fictitious name and date. Be sure that the date makes the deceased 15 years old. Have all the lights out except a spotlight on the tombstone and sit down on the bench that should be placed beside the make-believe grave. Look out at the audience and start talking as if you are alone and thinking aloud.  

“You know it seems like only yesterday that Ashley and I (use whatever name you have put on the tombstone) went to that party. We were so excited it was our first “real party”. All the popular crowd was there and we couldn’t wait to finally be part of the group. We knew there would be drinking, gee that’s just part of being a teenager. The drugs were different. We had no ideal that drugs would be involved. They started taunting us to have a beer, and we both agreed that one beer was okay, but we pledged we would never use drugs. We really didn’t like the taste, but everyone was drinking and by the time we finished the first one, the second didn’t taste so bad. I really can’t remember what happened for sure after the second beer. It all seems just like a bad dream. I remember that every time we finished one drink someone was handing us another one. Things really get fuzzy after that- until I woke up at the hospital. 

My parents were beside my bed, and I could not remember how I got there. My head hurt so badly, and I was sick at my stomach. I looked around the room and saw monitors, and I had IV’s in my arm. Everything seemed to either spin or move in slow motion. I think I kept asking what happened but when my parents would answer me, I couldn’t understand what they were saying. After about 48 hours, I woke up and feeling better and asked what had happened. My mother told me that Ashley and I had been admitted to the hospital for alcohol and drug overdose. I said that was crazy; I would never use drugs, and neither would Ashley. All we did was drink a few beers and then …..well…I really don’t remember what happened. My parents said apparently we were drunk and experimented with drugs. I just couldn’t believe it, and then I ask about Ashley. My parents became very silent and then told me that Ashley did not survive; the combination of alcohol and drugs that almost killed me …had killed Ashley. 

My life changed forever that night. I will always regret our decision to drink, which altered our minds and our judgment not to use drugs. I come here often because I never want to forget the terrible tragedy that happened to my best friend: who says one drink or just try drugs –just one time–won’t hurt anyone."

Turn and walk off the stage and the lights go black.

 Suggested supplemental materials may be purchased at

 www.nimcoinc.com

Drunk Driving RIP Display

Talking to Your Kids About Drugs

Talking to Your Kids About Drugs

Talking to your kids about drugs can be difficult. Many parents find the thought of approaching the subject difficult. However with the right motivation and direction you can help your child understand the dangers of drugs so they can avoid the temptation throughout their lives.

Our view is that one of the most important roadblocks of drug use among young people is a parent who wants to spend time with their child - someone who wants to communicate with them about their friends, school, and interests. Popular opinions say that the more you are involved with your children's lives, the more positive they will feel about themselves and your views on the dangers of drugs.

Talk to your kids about the dangers of drugs!

Red Ribbon Week is still 11 months away so here are our Top 10 suggestions on creating a lasting relationship with your children so that you can better communicate the dangers of drugs and alcohol to them.

1. Play an active role in their life
Life can be pretty hectic for adults but you have to set aside to time to spend with your children. Establish routines for spending time with them and learn to take an interest in their activities and hobbies. This quality time together is very important in building a lasting foundation of truthful communication.

2. Listen to your children's views
Allowing your child a chance to express their views is a great way to gain trust. If you show you are willing to listen then it will help them feel more comfortable when talking to you. Let them speak and don't interrupt. Children must feel comfortable in communicating openly with you which also shows you are willing to value their opinion.

3. Be a role model 
One of the most important steps in building trust and communication is that you are also doing what you are saying. If you do drugs how can you expect your children to listen to your concerns? You are your child's first role-model in this world. Don't underestimate how much you influence your children with your actions. If you misuse drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or medications...then most likely they will too.

4. Always be honest with them 
Sometimes you won't have every answer to every question about drugs. It's important in these moments to be honest and let your child know that you are willing to find the answers. This honesty can go a long way in establishing trust. Research the answers together...you might be surprised how close of a bond this will create between each other.

5. Pick the right time to talk
Try to make sure that you find the right times to discuss drugs with your kids. Natural opportunities such as watching TV, or throwing the football in the backyard are great for opening a dialogue of discussion with your child. Look for natural openings such as your child talking about their friends or someone at school.

6. Always stay calm
Calm, cool, and collected is the best policy when it comes to talking about drugs. If you overreact and don't stay calm, this could hinder future discussions between yourself and your child concerning drugs. If your kids think you will overreact about drugs they will resist talking about them to you at all.

7. Avoid conflict 
If there is conflict between you and your child, it's going to be difficult to discuss or solve a problem concerning drugs. Do your best to resolve the conflict so that everyone can focus on the task at hand. Conflict can drive a wedge between you and your child. Try to understand your child's point of view while encouraging them to understand yours.

8. Keep talking
Once you open a dialogue with your child it's important to keep this dialogue going. Start talking about the dangers of drugs early and always be willing to talk to your kids about the issue in a moment's notice.

9. Set precise boundaries and rules
Don't be afraid to set ground rules. In most cases kids expect and appreciate having some ground rules. One of the best ways to establish these rules is to actively involve your kids in discussing and setting the rules. This can be a great way to encourage them to take more responsibility by sticking to the rules they helped create. Find ways to discuss how your child will use these rules to stay out of compromising situations involving drug use. By setting these rules you are helping your kids avoid being exposed to drugs in the first place.

10. Focus and encourage the positives
By focusing and encouraging the positives in your child's good behavior you are helping them feel good about themselves and helping them develop a healthy respect about being drug free. Your support and encouragement as well as a healthy attitude toward communication will be the key in preventing your child from ever wanting to use drugs.

We hope you find these steps helpful and encouraging when talking to your child about the dangers of drugs. Remember that being involved with your child is the best way to stay informed and the best way to prevent drug abuse. These steps are also great for teachers and faculty in preparation for Red Ribbon Week. Check back with us on our blog for more tips and ideas or visit us at www.nimcoinc.com for teaching materials and Red Ribbon Week supplies.

Drug and Alcohol Attention Grabbers™ - THE FAD

Drug and Alcohol Attention Grabbers™ - THE FAD

Over the next few weeks, NIMCO will be sharing some "Attention Grabber™" ideas that you can use in class to help teach about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The “Attention Grabbers™” are designed to assist with teaching and speaking about the adverse effects alcohol and drugs cause to all who are exposed to these addictive drugs. We live in a visual society, making visual aids a needed resource to assist with speaking or teaching thus enabling you to reach your entire audience. The suggestions are designed to assist your alcohol and drug education programs. You may expound upon each scenario as your presentation or speaking time allows. Each “Attention Grabber™” is very cost effective to present with the suggested visual aids to reiterate the information given during your presentation. These "Attention Grabber™" ideas are also great for Red Ribbon Week!

Supplies:

Assorted Beanie Babies

Directions:

Start by showing the audience your collection of Beanie Babies. Briefly explain that several years ago

when collecting Beanie Babies was a fad many of these Beanies were quite expensive. People were

spending a lot of money on these stuffed animals. Many adults as children were hooked on the “Beanie Baby Craze”. The funny thing is, now you can find them everywhere, even at garage sales. For the most part they are very inexpensive. Now these cute little bears are just a trinket that some people still collect but the majority of people have moved on to the newest craze. Ask the group to give an example of something that is the latest fad.  

Alcohol advertising can affect youth!

Ask the students to think about alcohol advertising and the way it targets youth across America. Many ads and commercials are focused on appealing to youth and focus on the latest trends. They know exactly the clothes, hair, cars, and even music to make the products appealing to young people. Think of all the alcoholic products that are centered on sporting events. The alcohol companies are smart. They want to “hook you” when you are young because they know the younger you start using alcoholic products, the harder it is to quit. The sad part is the “Alcohol Companies” don’t care about you as a person. They just want your money. Your habit makes the alcoholic beverage companies a lot of money. They don’t care about your health or the number of traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers each year.

Alcohol is a high-risk “fad” that can very easily turn into a life long addiction. Don’t support the alcoholic beverage companies with your money. Enjoy life and don’t be fooled by gimmicks designed to be costly and ruin your life.

 Suggested supplemental materials may be purchased at

 www.nimcoinc.com

My Character Shines! Erasers 3ER1-W Erase Drugs - Erasers (set of 25) SAM-R1-DW

Drug and Alcohol Attention Grabbers™ - Consequences

Over the next few weeks, NIMCO will be sharing some "Attention Grabber™" ideas that you can use in class to help teach about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The “Attention Grabbers™” are designed to assist with teaching and speaking about the adverse effects alcohol and drugs cause to all who are exposed to these addictive drugs. We live in a visual society, making visual aids a needed resource to assist with speaking or teaching thus enabling you to reach your entire audience. The suggestions are designed to assist your alcohol and drug education programs. You may expound upon each scenario as your presentation or speaking time allows. Each “Attention Grabber™” is very cost effective to present with the suggested visual aids to reiterate the information given during your presentation. These "Attention Grabber™" ideas are also great for Red Ribbon Week!

Supplies:

• Red and Green food coloring

• A clear container filled with water

• Towel or plastic tablecloth to cover display area

• Eye Dropper

Directions:

Begin the demonstration by displaying a clear container filled with water. Tell the audience this represents a body before drugs or alcohol are introduced. All it takes is one time of introducing drugs or alcohol into your body to cloud your judgment and have negative effects on your body. Add a few drops of red and green food coloring to the water and stir it around. The water will appear a murky color. Explain that after only one time of using drugs or alcohol it can have an effect on your body.

Add a few more drops of the food coloring (red and green). As the water, turns darker explain that the more you abuse drugs and alcohol, the more your body is affected. Many times, we feel that once we have used drugs or alcohol and become addicted there is absolutely no hope. Explain to the audience that there is always hope, and they can turn their lives around. 

Drop a few drops of bleach in the colored water and stir. Keep adding drops of bleach until the water is clear again. Explain that it took effort to clean up the water just as it will take time and effort to clean up your life if you choose to use drugs or alcohol. Tell the assembled group that choosing to be drug and alcohol free is the only safe choice for youth and adults.

* Adjust the amount of food coloring and bleach to amount of water used. You should practice this demonstration prior to presentation.

Too SmA+rt to Start 9.5" Flyer

 Suggested supplemental materials may be purchased at

 www.nimcoinc.com

Red Ribbon Week Is Over...What's Next!

Red Ribbon Week Is Over...What's Next!

Now that another Red Ribbon Week has come and gone, it's never too early to start planning for next year. Our staff at NIMCO, Inc. is busy brainstorming on new ideas and new products for the 2014 Red Ribbon Week celebration.

Never to early to plan for Red Ribbon Week 2014

In the meantime to help with your planning, we have put together some websites that have valuable information about drug prevention and treatment. It's never to soon to start planning and NIMCO is here to help.

Red Ribbon Week Resources

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

National Family Partnership

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

Enrique S. Camarena Foundation

Parents: The Anti-Drug

Office of National Drug Control Policy

The Partnership for A Drug Free America

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)

Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFCSP)

Get Smart About Drugs

Check Yourself

National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign

Car Safety Resource/Car Insurance Calculator

All Treatment: Drug Rehab Center Directory and Substance Abuse Information Resource

Can you think of other websites or organizations that would be great to have on file for Red Ribbon Week? We would love to know. 

Don't forget to head over to our website for more Red Ribbon Week information. We also sell many different promotional items that you can use and pass out to students during Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31st.